End-Use Markets
COVID-19 Update: AATCC warns against claims of COVID-19 protection in textiles or related materials
With the coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading worldwide, International Fiber Journal is tracking stories relevant to the textile fiber industry. Facemasks, personal protective equipment, medical supplies and wipes are among the fiber-intensive technologies particularly relevant to the COVID-19 response effort. And as manufacturers of these technologies and others struggle to meet global demand in the face of the …
From fiber to finished product – optimizing efficiency in converting for hygiene & personal care
There are important considerations relative to fiber characteristics and how they impact the converting processes chosen for the manufacture of personal care products. Discussing examples specific to diaper, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products, the following will focus on converting practices to boost throughput, improve efficiency and enhance brand image. Trends in the industry relative …
Global perspectives on the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned from COVID-19
In light of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the supply chain challenges this global emergency has presented for the manufacture of critical nonwoven-intensive products, such as personal protective equipment (masks, gowns, hair covers, shoe covers, etc.) and wipes of various kinds, IFJ reached out to leading nonwoven industry associations in China, Europe and North …
No alternatives to synthetics and single-use in the fight against COVID-19
With shortages of PPE constantly making headlines over the past few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized, more than ever, the world’s current reliance on synthetic polymers and fibers in single-use disposables. Where will this leave initiatives to develop more sustainable fibers and encourage longer lasting products, with the end goal of eventually achieving a …
Wipes in the age of COVID-19
Fibers are the basis for a nonwoven wipe. Whether it be staple fiber or a continuous fiber – fibers are the heart of the wipe, as they dictate key physical properties. There are a number of web-forming technologies that employ fibers in a web in conjunction with bonding process to make material for a wipe. …