Hot Topics
COVID-19 supply & demand
As we consider how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the nonwovens industry, it is important to start with an understanding of the numerous nomenclature issues associated with nonwovens. The majority of the nonwoven material in demand as a result of the pandemic is spunlaid. The primary method for categorizing nonwoven capacity and production is …
A strange brew – genetically engineered polymeric fibers
Over the past century, man has truly harnessed the power of artificial polymer materials; polymeric fiber materials have allowed for applications not possible with the use of natural fibers. Driven by cost, ease of processing and variety of applications, the use of synthetic polymer fibers has expanded to all corners of life. However, these polymers …
Fibers for nonwovens – in pursuit of viable alternatives
As has been previously noted in International Fiber Journal, the nonwovens industry needs alternatives to synthetic fibers, and specific sectors need them fast (see “Legislation poised to boost demand for Lenzing’s lyocell fibers,” IFJ, Issue 6 2019, page 20). With the imminent arrival of the European Single-Use Plastics Directive, and similar legislation planned in North …
Plastic microparticles and microfibers in the environment
There are huge and growing amounts of plastic waste products in the environment. The plastic debris in the oceans mostly occurs from improper waste disposal. Plastic particles can be present from direct water and air discharges of particles as well as from solar, chemical and mechanical degradation of larger products. These degradations are very slow …
Textiles 2025
Ongoing deceleration of economic growth has been increasingly affecting textile businesses and final end-use at retail stage. Responding to this trend, The Fiber Year GmbH has developed a new report, Textiles 2025, which projects market sizes and per capita consumption for 173 countries. Market sizes provide the basis for formula-based predictions using demographics, national GDP …