Germany — March 2011 — Trevira participates in the most important industry event for nonwoven
manufacturers and end users not only with its established polyester specialties for hygiene and
technical applications, but also with the first fibre developments made from PLA biopolymer
(Ingeo™) which have been added to the company’s product portfolio in the frame of a master license
by NatureWorks in 2010.
Sustainability is an increasingly important issue in all textile applications, also in the
nonwoven sector. Polyester has many properties that from the outset make it a material that is
compatible with the environment. It is non-toxic, gives off no gases,and is recyclable without
difficulty and it can be easily used as fuel to produce energy. It is kind to the skin and suitable
for use in the food industry or medical sector. Product certifications like Ökotex Standard 100 are
an equally essential element of Trevira’s sustainability concept as the observation of the
environmental and quality standards DIN ISO 14001 and DIN ISO 9001. Trevira’s range of ecological
products is extended by the new Ingeo™ fibres which meet the needs of manufacturers and end users
looking for a biological alternative for conventional fibers.
The range of staple fibres for nonwovens includes:
Bicomponent fibres for thermal bonding, used in hygiene products such as napkins and lady
care, as well as in technical nonwovens, e. g. for insulation and filtration materials in the
automotive sector.
Special types for hydro-entangled nonwovens. These are not only employed in the
manufacture of wet and cosmetic wipes, but also increasingly in technical applications.
Short cut fibres for airlaid and wetlaid applications, e. g. hygiene products or the paper
industry. A part of this range is also available as bicomponent fibres.
Flame retardant fibres, e.g. for insulation, filtration and also as filling fibres for
bedding.
Customized fibres for special customer applications.
Fibres made from biopolymers (PLA / Ingeo™): The biodegradable (compostable) fibres made
from renewable plant compounds are currently available in various versions. Trevira has produced
first quantities of different fibre types applicable for spunlace, wet laid and carding
applications. Possible end uses are wet wipes (e. g.cleaning cloths), hygiene products and
technical nonwovens. The new fibres are currently in qualification processes at customers. Trevira
envisages variety of applications in the nonwoven sector, mainly for hygiene products. In the near
future, the company will also add a bicomponent fibre to its PLA product range.
Posted on March 21, 2011
Source: Trevira GmbH
