Quality, Tradition, and Progress in the Textile Industry
Interview with Paul Schuschan, CEO of Zwickauer Kammgarn GmbH
Zwickauer Kammgarn GmbH is the last worsted yarn spinning mill producing in Germany, known for its specialized yarn solutions that are in high demand in the upper market segment worldwide. Paul Schuschan, CEO since 2024, discusses the challenges in the textile industry, the importance of sustainability, and the future of the company.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Schuschan, how has Zwickauer Kammgarn GmbH managed to assert itself in such a competitive market?
Paul Schuschan: Our strength lies in combining tradition and innovation. Since 1835, we have been in business and have always adapted to market conditions. After the German reunification, the company downsized, but under the roof of Peppermint Holding in the 1990s, we gained additional synergies and resources. Our group, consisting of several companies with shared values and strategies, makes us stronger in the market. With two locations and a long tradition in value creation, we bring high-quality products to the market that meet the highest demands of the textile industry. Not only in the fashion industry, where the origin of clothing is becoming increasingly important, do we rely on high-quality raw materials.
Wirtschaftsforum: How does the company integrate sustainability into its production processes?
Paul Schuschan: Sustainability is deeply rooted in our operations. Since 1996, we have been operating a dyeing facility that adheres to strict environmental standards. We focus on sustainable yarns that are made not only from raw materials but also offer functional properties like abrasion resistance. Solar panels, heat recovery, green electricity, and a certified energy management system are also part of our approach. We use recycled paper cores, environmentally friendly packaging, and treat our wastewater. Our products are certified by multiple standards, including OEKO-TEX®, Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). We also keep our supply routes short and our vehicle fleet has almost completely switched to electric vehicles. These measures make us pioneers in the textile industry.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does digitalization play in your operation?
Paul Schuschan: Digitalization is indispensable for us, even though the human factor remains crucial in a worsted spinning mill. Our own ERP system helps us efficiently manage processes and monitor production batches. Machines are equipped with sensors that immediately inform us about downtimes, allowing us to react quickly. This type of digital environmental control and monitoring is central for us as an industry. Digitalization not only increases production quality but also makes us more flexible to meet our customers' requirements.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role do international markets play for Zwickauer Kammgarn GmbH?
Paul Schuschan: We are active worldwide, with a focus on Europe. Half of our sales are made in the DACH region, but Scandinavia, Italy, France, and Turkey are also important markets. We supply various industries, including the fashion industry, technical areas such as work and safety clothing, as well as the mobility sector, where we produce yarns for seat covers for trains and long-haul flights. These products require special expertise that not every supplier can provide. The corporate sector, in which we produce yarns for the attire of flight and train attendants, is also growing steadily. The USA is also an interesting market, depending on the political situation, which we monitor closely.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges do you see for the future of the textile industry?
Paul Schuschan: The past few years have been challenging, especially due to rising energy costs and uncertainties in Europe. Our advantage lies in high in-house value creation, which makes us more flexible. Even though digital distribution has increased in recent years, personal contact remains essential for our products, as textiles need to be felt and experienced. Business is done by people, and this will continue to be a core aspect of our strategy. At the same time, we will strengthen our innovation and focus on delivery reliability, quality, and customized solutions for our customers. The first half of 2024 was difficult, but we expect a recovery from 2025. With our focused strategy, we will emerge stronger from these challenges.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your personal goals?
Paul Schuschan: I want to further develop the company while preserving our traditions. It is important to me that we remain a reliable partner for our customers in the future and deliver products of the highest quality. We remain committed to personal exchange.