Latest news with #synthetic
RNZ News
12-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Carpet maker Bremworth reverses wool only policy
Photo: Bremworth Carpet maker Bremworth has reversed its wool only policy and will soon start making synthetic carpets again. The NZX-listed company, which stopped producing synthetic carpets in 2020 in favour of a wool-only policy , will restart production of synthetic carpets at its Auckland facility in the next financial year. It comes following a recent shake-up of the Bremworth board, with group of unhappy shareholders, led by new chair Rob Hewett, prompting the departure of three sitting directors . Its chief Executive Greg Smith has also stepped down after four years. Hewett earlier said the coup was prompted by the company's slumping profits , with revenue falling from $148.1m in 2018 to $80.3m in 2024. The dissenting group said the decision to stop selling synthetic carpets in favour of wool-only products had not resulted in improved sales, while operating costs remained high. Hewett, who replaced former chair George Adams, said there was strong demand from major New Zealand and Australian carpet retailers for Bremworth to produce both synthetics and wool. He said by not having synthetics in their portfolio they had made things more difficult. "The challenge that we have with the business is about 85 percent of the carpet floor covering market is not wool and we're missing out on it. We need to spread our costs across a wider base. Our customers are clearly looking for a synthetic product." He said they were also very mindful of stakeholders. "I am a farmer of wool and I do this with a heavy heart but the company's viability quite frankly is at stake here." It also follows Bremworth settling with rival carpet maker Godfrey Hirst, settling court proceedings in relation to a past marketing campaign Bremworth initiated in 2020 when it ceased producing synthetic carpet and moved to manufacturing wool carpets only. Godfrey Hirst alleged that aspects of that campaign mischaracterised the relative environmental and health impacts of synthetic and wool carpets and breached the Fair Trading Act. Bremworth denied breaching the Act, but acknowledged certain parts of its past advertising from the 2020 marketing campaign may have misled some consumers. These had been removed and would not be used again. The new synthetic range, which will initially comprise a small, but carefully curated, number of products, will be distributed under a separate brand to distinguish these products from its Bremworth-branded all-wool products. No new capital expenditure is required and the company anticipates a minor increase in headcount to support the additional volume. Hewett expected having a complete portfolio will actually help them grow wool product sales. However, Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams said the wool industry was teetering and this would further knock farmer confidence. "It's a tough pill to swallow for the industry." He said it was disappointing but understandable. Williams acknowledged Bremworth was a business though and shareholders had a right to expect returns. He said it was important for people to start recognising the environmental benefits of wool, especially with declining sheep numbers and farmland being converted to carbon forestry . Andy Caughey, chief executive of industry group Wool Impact, said Bremworth manufacturing synthetic carpets again didn't minimise their commitment to wool or their wool carpet offering. "This range extension, which includes synthetics, will strengthen the company's operating model by optimising its manufacturing capacity and generating more revenue as it continues to invest and expand its wool business," he said. "The world needs more wool." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ribbon Bio Launches MiroSynth™ DNA Molecules to Unlock a New Era of Complex Synthetic DNA
First Commercial Offering Delivers Complex, Long, and Highly Accurate DNA to Power Transformative Scientific Breakthroughs VIENNA, May 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ribbon Bio GmbH, the DNA synthesis company, today announced the launch of MiroSynth™ DNA, its first commercial product designed to meet the growing demand for complex and highly-accurate synthetic DNA molecules. The product launch coincides with the Global Synthetic Biology Conference in San Jose, California, taking place May 5–8, 2025. MiroSynth™ DNA is built on Ribbon's proprietary algorithm-driven technology and precision enzymatic assembly process, delivering exceptional accuracy and performance for applications initially in biopharma, life sciences and academic research. Customers and partners across the US, EU, UK, and Australia can now access MiroSynth™ DNA to accelerate their most ambitious scientific work. "This is a defining milestone for Ribbon Bio as we commercialize synthetic DNA at the highest levels of complexity and accuracy," said Jodi Barrientos, CEO of Ribbon Bio. "MiroSynth™ DNA offers unmatched quality for researchers developing next-generation solutions in therapeutics, life sciences, and beyond. We're proud to serve scientists who are pushing the boundaries of possibility today." Engineered to meet the increasing need for more complex and highly accurate DNA at length, MiroSynth™ DNA is available in both linear and circular formats. The name MiroSynth—inspired by the Latin word for extraordinary—reflects the product's potential to transform scientific possibilities by overcoming long-standing limitations in DNA synthesis and assembly. Ribbon Bio will showcase MiroSynth™ DNA at the Global Synthetic Biology Conference 2025, where the company is a sponsor. On May 6, Ribbon will participate in two featured sessions: CEO Jodi Barrientos will host a Spotlight Session on Ribbon's end-to-end DNA synthesis platform, highlighting the integration of intelligent algorithms, enzymatic assembly, adaptive automation, and full traceability from sequence to molecule. CTO Dr. John Luckey will join a panel exploring how complex synthetic DNA is reshaping the future of science and innovation. About Ribbon Bio Ribbon Bio is a synthetic biology leader driving DNA synthesis beyond the limits of current technologies: making the impossible possible. We are redefining scientific possibility with our algorithm-driven technology that produces pristine synthetic DNA molecules, at a high level of accuracy and unprecedented speed, enabling our partners to deliver a new generation of transformative solutions for the health of people and the planet. For more information, visit us at
