Nonwoven
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 …
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 …
Achieving US self-sufficiency on meltblown fabric for facemasks
The current COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the reliance by the U.S. on Asian supply chains for much-needed Personal Protective Equipment essential to deal with the situation. Of primary importance is the supply of medical/surgical facemasks and gowns for healthcare workers. INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is currently assisting many government groups trying to …
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 …
How hot-air bonding production parameters affect bi-component fiber nonwovens
Hot-air nonwoven is three-dimensional porous fabric with fusible fiber as the main material. With these features, it is widely used in medical care and hygiene (e.g. sanitary towel, tampons, etc.), filtration (e.g., mask, air filter) and heat insulation. It is regarded as the most economical and practical porous fiber material. The production principle of hot-air …