Materials
Technical-scale production of aerogel nonwovens
Ambitious global climate and energy goals and a growing environmental awareness among the populations of both industrialized and emerging markets are leading to an increasing number of countries committing themselves to minimize the consumption of fossil fuels. Thermal insulation materials make it possible to reduce energy consumption through more efficient system design and are therefore …
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 …