Nonwovens Staff03.28.23
INDEX 23 will provide a range of solutions to the ongoing challenges faced by the nonwovens industry. Visitors from around the globe will gather from April 18-21, 2023, at Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland, for the triennial exhibition.
With the current energy crisis and supply chain issues still to be resolved, INDEX 23—with 550 exhibitors who have booked so far—will clarify industry issues covering the entire nonwovens’ supply chain. At every edition, the nonwovens community comes together under the same roof during four intense days to tackle their concerns and find solutions.
Exhibitors are eager to display their innovations to find new leads, consolidate customer relations and forge new partnerships for the years ahead.
“INDEX is an international event where the complete nonwovens and related products value chain from around the globe converges. Edition after edition, exhibitors and visitors enjoy the opportunity to grow their businesses and find innovative solutions,” says Magali Fakhry Dufresne, director of INDEX.
“This edition couldn’t be timelier, as INDEX will be a great opportunity to find answers for challenges such as energy efficiency, and to understand how nonwovens can contribute to the solutions,” adds Pieter Meijer, chairman of INDEX.
With the current challenges plus the drive to find more and more sustainable and circularity-oriented answers, the industry is getting increasingly competitive. It is thus important to stay on top of pressing industry matters.
“As sustainability and circularity are increasingly orienting the way forward around the industry, we are seeing young talents seeking to develop new products. This new generation is also keen on meeting the industry’s key players, who will be present again at this indispensable event displaying an essential number of innovations,” says Murat Dogru, general manager of EDANA.
At INDEX, the company will showcase its comprehensive range of E-WIND unwinders, winders and slitter-rewinders featuring state-of-the-art solutions specifically developed for the production of spunbond, spunmelt, spunlace and airlaid nonwovens roll goods. The extensive machinery range offered by the company, which includes also F-LINE lines dedicated to finishing and reprocessing, IRIDIUM flexographic printers, R-WAY solutions for intralogistics automation and industry 4.0-oriented digital solutions, places the company as the most referenced supplier of solutions ranging from unwinding to storage and shipping on the market.
In regards to its R-WAY product range, A.Celli Nonwovens will take this opportunity to let its visitors experience the new A.Celli AGV on display, an example of the complete line of automated vehicles designed and developed to handle raw materials, semi-finished and finished products (reels or bales) in any nonwoven or paper production plant.
www.acelli.it
Sustainability is a serious responsibility for the entire industry and will continue to be so for the years and decades to come. Thus, Andritz’s “We Care” sustainability program combines all ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) initiatives, goals and achievements under one roof. “We Care” takes a multi-dimensional, comprehensive and practically oriented approach towards sustainability.
For many years now, Andritz has offered different nonwoven processes for biodegradable wipes, like spunlace, wetlace and wetlace CP with one goal in mind: reduction and elimination of plastic components, while maintaining the high quality of the desired product properties. The latest development in this field is the Andritz neXline wetlace CP line. This is a fully engineered production line combining the benefits of drylaid and wetlaid technologies to produce a new generation of biodegradable wipes. To reduce the energy consumption of these lines, Andritz has developed the neXecodry drying technology. It is a combination of dewatering and drying processes that significantly reduces energy consumption and achieves better fabric quality with higher bulk and no pattern degradation.
Another strong focus of the booth will be the Andritz product range of complete textile recycling lines for post-consumer and industrial textile waste to produce fibers for re-spinning and/or nonwoven end-uses. Customer awareness and regulations are pushing clothing brands to recycle their textile waste in their own products. Recycled fibers can also be used in the nonwovens industry for various applications, such as automotive, insulation, mattresses, filtration and furniture felts. All these kinds of materials can be produced by the Andritz airlay technology, which can perfectly process recycled fibers. It is offered as a complete line with thermal bonding, needlelooms, or other bonding methods.
The current movement for sustainability and the use of recycled fibers, in blends or even 100%, is also reflected in needlepunch products and processes. Andritz fully supports this market demand and has developed comprehensive solutions to control and collect the additional dust generated during the manufacturing process of recycled fibers. With the right dust collection equipment, the process is also sustainable.
For resource savings in durable nonwovens production, Andritz presents its ProWin technology for profile web weight correction, which is used to optimize fabric evenness and provide a faster return on investment in the needlepunch segment. By combining the well-known and proven technologies ProWid and ProDyn, ProWin allows customers to achieve the lowest CV-ratio ever, reaching more demanding markets and saving up to 2% additional fibers compared to ProDyn. In addition, ProWin drastically smooths the level of instantaneous acceleration in the crosslapper. As a consequence, the same equipment can run faster with less mechanical stress, improving the crosslapper’s lifetime and potentially minimizing maintenance operation costs.
Andritz also provides complete lines and individual machines to produce nonwovens for hygiene applications, such as air-through bonding, spunlace lines, nonwovens calenders, Spunjet equipment, and complete converting lines for baby, adult and femcare products.
For instance, one highlight at INDEX will be the latest technology development in the spunlaid sector: the patented nonwovens process called Spunjet. It is the in-line hydroentanglement of continuous filaments, creating a new generation of spunlaid nonwovens with unrivalled bulkiness and softness compared to standard spunbond fabrics. Spunjet offers customers the best properties ever achieved in existing and new nonwovens applications.
Moreover, Andritz will put the spotlight on its eXcelle adult pant converting line, which offers top-class components and an innovative technology process. The growing market for adult incontinence products has resulted in a state-of-the-art process with highest quality standards, such as the development of ultrasonic side seam solutions with excellent results in terms of bond strength and system reliability. The machine speed no longer limits quality bonds. As a result, operations and size changes are faster and easier. The modern forming system for higher SAP (superabsorbent polymers) concentration and the turning and placing system guarantee maximum process stability and put customers’ adult pants at the top of the adult hygiene market.
www.andritz.com
Following the previous and successful ‘DUO-LOOP Control’ System, hygiene sector customers’ demand is now constantly shifting to the new ‘Trio-Loop Control Loop’ System (BTSR Patent) Function, which further ensures the precise desired fiber feeding tension value in the machine fiber insertion point.
‘Trio-Loop Control’ System Function is based on TMS Sensor ‘Tension and Metering’ control technology. The TMS sensor comes with a new design which results in minimization of static contacts, significant reduction of spandex stress and spandex breakages and machine stops drastically decrease.
The Trio-Loop System is easily retrofittable on current MatrixCube Systems installed in the factories by delivering a concrete technology upgrade with concrete results in the production efficiency and quality and a measurable ‘return on investment.’
In addition, BTSR has recently developed PC-Link Web Diaper, a web-based software solution providing accurate production data monitoring and collection capability.
PC-Link Web Diaper is a unique Industry 4.0 remote programming monitoring and evaluation tool. All traced data can be stored either on a local or on company database and then utilized for internal strategic and operational evaluations in production management.
Last but not least, the new system comes with the brand new Matrix Touch touch-screen terminal display for easy programming and real time monitoring of production process status also in graphical form.
“We are proud of these ultimate innovations resulting from our long-term R&D Division experience,” says Angelo Rizzo, sales general manager of BTSR International S.p.A. “Thanks to Trio-Loop Solution and PC-Link Diaper factory-based software tool, BTSR confirms its leadership as technological partner in providing smart and innovative solutions in the hygiene sector’’
www.btsr-hygiene.com
Permanent hydrophilic products for fibers and nonwovens used in absorbent hygiene products offer softness, for comfortable wear, excellent transfer of the liquid from topsheet to the acquisition distribution layer and subsequently to the diaper core to guarantee dry and healthy skin. These products also support the need for long-term hydrophilic performance, especially after storage, and the upcoming demand for bio-based raw materials.
www.solutions.cht.com
Depending on the product, this could mean softer, smoother, more cushioned, or having good draping qualities, for example. Yet parameters influencing comfort are notoriously difficult to measure objectively. The human tactile sensation is a complex and highly individual phenomenon, influenced by many factors, including personal sensitivity and preference, culture, and even one’s current mood. Traditionally, the haptic of nonwovens is measured via hand-panel testing, in which one or more “touch experts” rank the overall haptic impression by physical touching, crumpling and stretching the samples. Typical drawbacks to this method include the time needed for the organization and repeat testing, as well as the often subjective results, which are not always reproducible across various locations.
At INDEX 2023, German testing device manufacturer emtec Electronic will present a practical solution to this challenge: the TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer. The TSA allows nonwoven manufacturers and chemical suppliers to objectively and reliably test the haptic quality of their products along the individual parameters softness, smoothness, flexibility, as well as deformation and springback behavior.
“Specific knowledge about the individual parameters influencing the comfort factor helps nonwovens professionals to experiment with certain haptic traits, identify why one product is preferred over another, and ultimately develop consumer-pleasing new products,” says Alexander Grüner, emtec global marketing and business development manager.
In the tissue paper industry (including handkerchiefs, kitchen roll and toilet paper), the same test device—known in the field as the TSA Tissue Softness Analyzer—has already become an established standard for haptic measurement worldwide and has been featured in a TAPPI Technical Information Paper (TIP 0808-07 (2021)).
www.emtec-electronic.com
The latest investments allow Exten to offer innovative solutions in the wide sector of elastic films and for diapers with laminated elastic ears. The improvements it obtained, enable it to offer a high level of softness, better mechanical properties, textile appearance, without glue single-component formulation, totally and easily recyclable.
In addition to the current range of products, the versatility of Exten’s new production hall will allow it to supply the market with a wide choice of innovative products.
During the last few years, special attention has been paid to the improvement of highly breathable monolithic viral barrier films, as well as to all medical laminates widely used for the production of apparels resistant to viral penetration.
www.exten.ch
In addition to a controlled and precise hardening of the teeth, the wires are characterized by a reduced rib height and a completely scale-free surface. An exhibit at the booth will demonstrate what distinguishes the new process from the conventional production method and will highlight the differences between the new Groz-Beckert InLine card clothing series and its predecessor generation.
The first special geometry of the Groz-Beckert InLine card clothing series to be developed was the SiroLock plus worker and doffer wire. It impresses with a more effective fiber take-up, control and transfer. Augmented reality will allow visitors to experience the functionality and operating principle behind SiroLock plus at INDEX.
www.groz-beckert.com
The specialty hygiene adhesives team will highlight its wide range of innovative technologies and applications underpinned by the three pillars of the “Grow in the Now” philosophy.
Thriving Collaboration is more than a priority for H.B. Fuller—it is a shared belief applied every day across the organization, and with customers, for a greater purpose and business outcomes. At INDEX 23, the company will officially launch a Virtual Hygiene Technical Center. This new interactive solution brings the experience of H.B. Fuller’s full technical expertise and capabilities to customers, anytime and anywhere, at an advanced level. Expectations are high, surrounding the unveiling of the new tool and customers and business partners will take part in this digitized collaboration.
Reimagine Solutions is the mantra of the H.B. Fuller Hygiene team. At this exhibit, manufacturers will have the opportunity to learn about its comprehensive adhesive portfolio. As products and processes are tailored to meet the ever-evolving market demands and unique applications, the onsite experts will also showcase how they are reimagining solutions for the industry, providing an opportunity for customers to draw on their extensive experience to discover the best solutions for their specifications.
Advancing Sustainability is a strong lever of H.B. Fuller’s global commitment toward a more circular economy. Adhesive solutions are a key enabler for everyday products, especially for manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact by working with more sustainable substrates, improving production efficiencies, and reducing material usage, energy and greenhouse gas emissions. With a variety of options, such as low-application temperature, high mileage, special core, or the portfolio of bio-based adhesives, H.B. Fuller presents technologies that enable the reduction of the carbon footprint of absorbent hygiene articles.
“As a market leader in hygiene adhesives, we are proud to be at the forefront of this exciting industry. INDEX 23 gives us the opportunity to exchange ideas with our customers and partners about the needs and innovations across the hygiene supply chain. In addition to our innovative portfolio, H.B. Fuller is also unveiling a new technical digital solution and providing high specification applications to enable the production of smarter personal care articles,” says Larissa Janka, business director Hygiene in Europe at H.B. Fuller.
www.hbfuller.com
“INDEX brings together the global nonwovens key value chain players to meet, collaborate and discover the latest innovations and best practices. As a leading partner to this dynamic industry, we are excited to present solutions that allow our customers to design and manufacture safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective products and materials,” says Eilyn Meneses Villabona, senior market strategy manager Personal Hygiene Adhesives EIMEA at Henkel.
With Technomelt DM ECO, Henkel is launching a sustainability-focused grade for the first time to the European nonwovens market. The new range of direct bio-based adhesives for hygiene products construction enables elastics and positioning applications to be carried out with more than 50% bio-based, non-fossil sources. In this way, Technomelt DM ECO makes more sustainable product designs possible, while helping hygiene manufacturers reduce their CO2 footprint. The adhesives range is compatible with renewable and standard substrates without compromising on process efficiency.
Henkel will also present its Easyflow hot melt adhesive system at INDEX 2023. This cutting-edge adhesive is based on a new pressure-sensitive, patented product form that enables safe and efficient delivery, and increases production line’s efficiency. Supplied in small, non-sticky micro chubs, the adhesive’s unique form melts on demand, and enables the auto-feeding of Technomelt DM adhesives into hot melt tanks to enhance safety and operations while avoiding interruptions to production. The auto-feeding process minimizes the time the adhesive is molten inside the tank, reducing the risk of the build-up of VOCs while also reducing energy consumption by up to 20%. Easyflow’s closed system integration reduces the risk of adhesives contamination from foreign materials entering the hot melt tanks.
www.henkel.com
This patented anchoring process is based on a new type of sonotrode. Thanks to its unique surface structure, the welding tool creates a tunnel between the nonwoven layers, through which the elastic threads are guided. Depending on the application, specific welding points are created continuously or intermittently, in which the threads are anchored in the nonwoven only by means of ultrasonics.
Thanks to the ultrasonics, a distinct advantage is that the anchoring of elastic threads does not require any additional joining agents. Compared to conventional bonding processes, this significantly reduces resource and energy consumption and thus overall manufacturing costs. The elimination of chemicals also improves the feel, the sustainability balance of the products and their durability, as the elasticity of the threads is retained for a longer period of time.
At the same time, the ultrasonic process significantly reduces the risk of thread breakage because the elastic threads do not come into contact with the welding tool during the anchoring process. Instead, they are slightly deformed by the special shape of the tunnels created by the sonotrode, so that after anchoring, the surface friction between the filaments and the nonwovens increases, thus improving their adhesion.
Compared to previous solutions that relied on ultrasonics, thread guidance via the sonotrode also offers additional benefits: “Previously, you needed an anvil roller that was specially engraved for an application. This made precise thread guidance costly and complex,” explains Dr. Raquel Roussel-Garcia, Application Development Nonwovens, at Herrmann. “Thanks to the innovative geometry of the guiding channels in the sonotrode, we can implement many different material combinations and product sizes with a single tool. This minimizes investment costs and makes the process much more flexible.”
Since the sonotrode is part of a simple quick-change system, it is also possible to reduce downtime and maintenance costs in production, she adds.
www.herrmann-ultraschall.com
This innovation plan is an essential part of the process of remapping and reconversion of corporate processes with a view to sustainability, with the reduction of the impacts in terms of LifeCycle Assessment and resources of natural and energy consumption. These lines of research have a transversal character and are therefore applicable to all application sectors in which the range of ICAP-SIRA products finds application.
In particular ICAP-SIRA is introducing at INDEX a new product range—launched in 2023—of biobased acrylic and polyurethanes polymers which is composed by 33 completely new polymers.
These new products have a renewable carbon content ranging from 50-70% that comes from new monomers that have been developed by suppliers with an aim of substituting fossil based raw materials and providing a better carbon footprint.
The new Acrilem ECO are acrylate based polymers both in water dispersion (for chemical bonding of fibers) and in UV curable hot melt form (for pressure sensitive applications). Meanwhile, the Idrocap ECO series contains differing polyurethanes from new polyethers and polyesters with high renewable carbon content. These polymers can be applied as chemical binders where high elasticity is required and as surface modifiers.
www.icapsira.com
With more than 30 years of experience in the cotton business, Ihsan Sons (Pvt) Ltd is known for its excellent quality and customer service. The company is committed to providing customers with the highest quality absorbent cotton and nonwoven spunlace fabric. The absorbent cotton has various grades and qualities and it is suitable for the application of medical and hygiene products including cotton balls, rolls and swabs, ortho cotton, nonwoven cotton pads and filling purposes.
Ihsan Sons (Pvt) Ltd. uses advanced technology and innovative techniques to create 100% cotton spunlace nonwoven fabric that is comfortable, stylish and durable. This fabric is suitable for the application of medical, personal or femcare and hygiene products such as sanitary pads, panty liners, under pads, nursing pads, incontinence, diapers, wound care, examine sheets; personal care products such as dry and wet cotton wipes, cosmetic pads, face masks and cleaning products such as mops.
It is a certified company that follows an approved procedure for the production of cotton wipes. It uses only the top-quality raw materials that are certified by Asthma Allergy Denmark, Oeko-Tex Class 1 product, etc. The production process is meticulously monitored to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. The company also adheres to strict environmental and safety standards, making sure that no hazardous chemicals are used in the production process. Finally, the company has a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals to ensure that the products meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
In addition to offering high-quality products, Ihsan Sons (Pvt) Ltd is also dedicated to sustainability. All of its products are made from natural and organic materials, and the company is committed to providing its customers with eco-friendly solutions that will help reduce their environmental impact. Ihsan Sons (Pvt) Ltd is a trusted name in 100% cotton, and it has become a leader in the industry.
www.ihsansons.com
As a Concrete Partner, the strength of IMA Tissue & Nonwoven resides into the gathering of a pool of vertically specialized companies, joined by one vision: offering its customers complete and tailored solutions, with a commitment to sustainability.
At INDEX 23, visitors will have the chance to get in touch with the IMA brands specialized in the nonwovens field.
Also this year IMA TMC will present its machine for the primary packaging of diapers: D-NAMIC, an automatic stacker and bagger for baby and adult diapers, light incontinence and bed under pads in pre-formed bags. With a very compact footprint, this machine features high-speed output up to 75 bags/minute. It can run with either plastic or paper-based and 100% recyclable films, both in accordance with sustainability practices. Also, on April 18, starting from 10.30 a.m., the speech “Dynamic and sustainable solutions in the sanitary disposable products packaging” will be held by Davide Montanari, sales area manager Nonwoven.
IMA Teknoweb’s full array of technologies to convert and pack wet and dry wipes, cosmetic masks, gloves, face masks and respirators will be under the spotlight. A preview will also be unveiled on the latest technological development for absorbent mats, for outstanding finished products at a very high speed. Not to be missed, the disinfectant wet wipes converters for personal and home care: IMA Teknoweb provides machinery for IPA alcohol-soaked wipes, compliant to the explosion proof regulations (ATEX).
Pioneers in the design of revolutionary flow wrapping solutions dedicated to innovative, reclosable and attractive packs, IMA Ilapak stands out today as a market leader in both the wet and dry wipes industry. At INDEX, get the chance to discover the Delta WW OF-HSX, the first-class flow wrapper for the wet wipes industry. Energy saving and sustainability are the key aspects of this flow rapper, capable of wrapping wet wipes up to 170 ppm with traditional laminated films and up to 130 ppm with fully recyclable materials.
www.ima-tmc.com
The VeriLite is a compact and unique scraper assembly that is ideal for safely cleaning rolls.
The manufacture of nonwoven materials is carried out in three stages: web formation, web bonding, and finishing treatment. Some typical web formation techniques are drylaid, wetlaid, spunlaid and meltblown. What these processes have in common is the use of rolls, fabrics, and belts to transport the nonwoven sheet throughout the different manufacturing steps. It is important these are kept clean to avoid process upsets and maximize output. If they are not kept clean, this can increase machine contamination, which eventually leads to sheets defects and quality issues. Kadant has a variety of solutions that provide continuous cleaning of rolls (fabrics and belts).
Avoid cleaning by hand, manual and any risk of injury and quick blade change increases production time.
Replace human cleaning by hand (better quality and safety) or to simplify the design and manufacture, for a more compact and less expensive solution compared to traditional doctor cleaning system.
The patent pending VeriLite roll cleaner assembly provides a compact, safe and unique scraper that offers excellent cleaning results to improve uptime and reduce maintenance costs in a variety of industrial roll and belt cleaning applications. (Less parts and maintenance.)
Allow remote control, continue and automatic cleaning of the rolls. Avoid wires of the fibers or fabrics—Less machine down—increase production.
Benefits / Features:
www.knw.com.tw
A visit at Lenzing Instruments booth means an opportunity to view and examine the following products and to discuss the benefits of the rest of the extensive product range:
Nonwovens for hygienic applications
Essential material tests for nonwoven topsheet (coverstock) aimed for hygienic applications include verification of performance indicators such as liquid strike-through, rewet and run-off.
All three areas are covered by Lenzing Instruments’ Lister AC, Wetback and RUNOFF. INDA/EDANA-standardized function and design ensure for accurate and reproducible feedback on the fluid management of the nonwoven material.
Verify flushability of wet wipes
In line with the rising usage of nonwoven wipes for hygienic and cleaning purposes, the necessity of reliable flushability verification has become of vital importance in order to maintain the functionality of sewage systems. By means of mechanical oscillations of nonwoven samples surrounded by water, Lenzing Instruments’ SLOSH BOX 100 allows for an estimation of the disintegration potential and the behavior of the material in a gravity sewer. The Slosh Box 100 test is crucial for the classification of flushability and hence correct labelling of the finished product.
High-precision testing of staple fiber
The realization of set quality criteria for the raw material staple fiber is guaranteed by applying Vibroskop 500, Vibrodyn 500 and Vibrotex 400 for income control of titer (dtex, den), tenacity and elongation as well as the crimp characteristics of single fibers. In combination with the versatile and flexible software program, these fiber testing instruments feature a perfect tool both for regular quality control as well as for research and development applications.
Process control with Lenzing Instruments means customer-tailored systems with real-time access to measurement results by means of the latest communication technology. The Nonwovens Orientation System NOS 300 offers online and continuous monitoring of the fiber orientation along and across the nonwoven web. The ratio of fibers in the respective web direction gives indirect information about the tensile strength of the nonwoven material. Additionally, monitoring of the fiber orientation ratio yields information about the homogeneity of the web.
Visitors will be able to experience BT 100, a bulk tester, which tests compressibility, filling power and recovery properties of filling materials such as bulky staple fibers and bulky filament yarns.
The automated test procedure for repetitive compressing and decompressing of the material enables testing of a high number of single fibers during one and the same test run.
Testing equipment for geotextiles
Lenzing Instruments GE-TE-FLOW and GT 1200 enable automated and standardized analysis of the performance of geotextiles and similar materials: Featuring low water consumption, short test duration as well as compact and robust design, GE-TE-FLOW offers users easy and thorough testing of the water permeability , including determination of the VIH50 index. The next generation of GE-TE-FLOW can be applied for both falling head and constant head measurements. GT 1200 enables reproducible and accurate analysis of the characteristic opening size by determining the size of sand grains passing through the material.
Wicking characteristics of nonwoven and woven materials
Advanced camera and illumination technology for in-depth analysis of fluid transport processes such as wicking characteristics, liquid absorption, liquid retention and liquid loss in textile structures already once was a part of Lenzing Instruments’ product portfolio. This project was temporarily paused and now INDEX 23 will serve as a stepping-stone for the next level in this development project, which is now to be revived.
www.lenzing-instruments.com
“When developing our technologies, we not only focus on system efficiency and product quality, but also on sustainability, energy efficiency and preserving resources,” explains Ingo Mählmann, vice president, sales & marketing at Oerlikon Nonwoven.
Oerlikon’s declared objective is to be the leading partner for manufacturing sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions in the nonwovens industry. “There are many future-oriented bio-based and biodegradable polymers that can be used to produce nonwovens,” adds Mählmann. “Here, we want to support our customers in becoming pioneers in processing such polymers.” Alternatives to the standard polymers widespread today are required and Oerlikon Nonwoven is able to offer the competence and the technologies for processing these new polymers.
Bio-based polylactic acid nonwovens, based on PLA, may offer an alternative for those wanting to manufacture sustainable nonwovens. And the Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown and spunbond technologies are ideally suited for processing PLA, for example. At INDEX, the company will be showcasing a sample application: medical oronasal masks manufactured entirely from PLA nonwovens.
Preserving resources with the hycuTEC, winner of the Filtrex Innovation Award 2022, allows Oerlikon Nonwoven to offer a technology for the efficient and simultaneously energy-saving charging of meltblown nonwovens. This enables the filter efficiency to be increased to more than 99.99%.
This innovative technology is able to dispense with an additional drying process when manufacturing most highly-separating electret filter media, allowing considerable savings in the consumption of water and, above all, the energy required for drying. In turn, this ensures very low energy consumption both in the manufacturing process itself and across the entire lifespan of the hycuTEC filter media – used in ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, for example. Furthermore, meltblown producers are able to achieve potential raw material savings of around 30% as a result of the improved efficiency of the media. In other words: the same or even superior performance for lower media running meter weights. As a result, the hycuTEC technology is a particularly future-proof, resource-friendly technology.
With its Phantom technology, Oerlikon Nonwoven offers an innovative co-form technology for manufacturing wipes – including wet wipes made from pulp and polymer fibers, for instance. Here, the properties of pulp and polymer are combined in a manner that perfectly unites the properties of the starting materials. The material mix can comprise up to 90% cellulose fibers, which is a renewable raw material. Choosing a bio-based and biodegradable polymer enables the entire wipe to be manufactured in a ‘plastic-free,’ and hence environmentally-friendly, manner.
Compared to conventional processes such as spunlace (hydroentangled carded nonwovens), the patented Phantom technology offers ecological, performance and cost advantages both in the application and in the manufacture: dispensing with hydroentanglement renders subsequent drying of the material redundant, therefore saving on the energy required for drying. Product parameters, such as softness, tenacity, dirt absorption and liquid absorption, can be optimized by means of the recipe and the process settings. The Phantom technology enables the manufacture of both flexible and absorbent structures and highly-textured materials.
Airlaid technology, sustainable nonwovens made from pulp or cellulose fibers as raw material, are currently virtually unrivaled with regards to sustainability and environmental compatibility. The Oerlikon Nonwoven airlaid process is the ideal solution for processing this raw material into high-end products for a wide range of applications. Today, there is huge demand for manufacturing solutions for high-quality, lightweight airlaid nonwovens with economically-attractive production speeds and system throughputs. Here, the patented Oerlikon Nonwoven formation process, which has proven itself in numerous production systems, is setting standards – for homogeneous fiber laying and superb evenness even for nonwovens with low running meter weights. Whether as a system exclusively for airlaid nonwovens or combined with other nonwoven processes, the benefits of the Oerlikon Nonwoven airlaid technology are today already being deployed in numerous applications.
The Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division is a leading provider of comprehensive polymer processing plant solutions and high-precision flow control component equipment. The division provides polycondensation and extrusion lines, manmade fiber filament spinning solutions, texturing machines, BCF and staple fiber lines and nonwoven production systems. Its engineering competence leads to sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for the entire textile value added chain with a circular economy approach. Moreover, Oerlikon develops and produces advanced and innovative hot runner systems for the injection molding industry as well as customized gear metering pumps for the textile, automotive, chemical, dyes and lacquers industries.
The division serves customers through its technology brands—Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag, Oerlikon Nonwoven and Oerlikon HRSflow—in around 120 countries with production, sales, distribution and service organizations.
www.oerlikon.com
Sustainable packaging materials are in greater demand than ever before. Optima supports companies in meeting this challenge by providing flexible packaging systems such as the new horizontal high-speed cartoner Optima HSC. “Our exhibition appearance has the motto ‘Delivering new flexibility in packaging.’ The new horizontal high-speed cartoner Optima HSC paves the way for this. As a company, we can only achieve honest packaging based on the principle of a holistic view of the circular economy with innovative technologies. At Optima, we have understood and embraced this,” explains Oliver Rebstock, managing director of Optima nonwovens GmbH.
The new horizontal high-speed cartoner Optima HSC opens up new possibilities in terms of packaging flexibility for the paper hygiene industry. What makes this machine special is that the horizontal cartoner enables agility far exceeding the solutions currently available on the market. The system features a packaging process that sets new standards for speed and format flexibility in the paper hygiene industry. The Optima HSC can also be flexibly connected to bag packaging machines. With this combination, it is possible to use a wide variety of packaging materials in one system, including cardboard, paper, biodegradable and PE bags.
Employees in production are increasingly becoming “Connected Workers.” Optima applications support machine operators during their daily work with the machine. They are provided with digital assistance systems that support them in handling the machine. This includes the Optima Format Change Assist, for example, which provides step-by-step instructions for changeovers made between different pack sizes. A remote connection for Optima Service and much more are also included in the service portfolio. The process optimizations achieved reduce waste, increase efficiency thanks to fewer interruptions and improve system availability, which in turn has a positive effect on conserving resources in production.
www.optima-packaging.com
Thanks to its Decoup+ sister brand expertise in ultrasonic technology, combined with Calemard’s know-how in machine manufacturing, Spoolex also designs ultrasonic splicing units. On nonwovens, the company provides strong, invisible and reliable plain splices, without additive element. The company is offering two technologies, butt-to-butt or overlap splicing for higher strength, under tailored-made configurations: either complete benches to be integrated in-line or separate off-line equipment. Because ultrasonic splicing solutions help reduce labor content, they are already used by many nonwoven producers all over the world in hygiene cost cautious productions. It’s also an environmentally friendly process with wastage reduction and limitation of pollution risk. Decoup+ invites customers to perform trials on site.
www.spoolex.com
Since 2017 SynTouch has been successfully helping nonwovens global brands and specialty manufacturers design, formulate and market their end-products, components and materials in baby care, femcare, adult care, wipes, PPE and paper products.
www.syntouchinc.com
Voith and cooperation partner Trützschler Nonwovens have a long-standing cooperation for the supply of full lines from fiber feed to End Section and already delivered several Wet-Laying/Spunlacing and Carded/Pulp lines to various customers.
Building on its technological expertise in tissue, Toscotec developed a complete machinery portfolio designed to ensure product quality, high efficiency, and high production capacity to nonwoven producers.
OPTIMA WinderNW
OPTIMA RewinderNW
Packaging Solutions
Trützschler Nonwovens and Voith display new opportunities of paper-grade pulp as raw material for hydroentangled, biodegradable, single-use nonwovens. Since energy efficiency manufacturing is on everybody’s agenda, find out about its solutions for reducing energy and other resource consumption. Its cooperation partner Voith and its subsidiary Toscotec will be available for in-depth talks about wet-laying machinery. Voith provides highly innovative solutions for manufacturing textiles and nonwovens that offer economic and ecological benefits. As a full-line supplier, Voith achieves optimal fine-tuning of nonwoven products by focusing on long-term partnerships.
Trützschler roller cards for CP, spunlacing, needlepunching and thermal bonding processes are all equipped with high performing Trützschler card clothings. At the booth Trützschler Card Clothing will present latest innovations and the extensive, worldwide available service offers that secure continuous high running performance.
With T-Suprema, needlepunching becomes as easy as never before. Trützschler Nonwovens’ key partnership with Texnology s.r.l. already proved its concept. The company shows solutions for both durable nonwovens used in technical end uses and disposable nonwovens for hygiene purposes.
An integral part of all T-Suprema lines is the T-One software package. This working environment integrates AI-based algorithms to simulate line behavior for easily optimizing line efficiency, resource consumption or nonwoven quality. Moreover, the software digitalizes major production-related working processes such as quality control or recipe management and constantly monitors product data, machine parameters and line performance.
www.trützschler.com
With the current energy crisis and supply chain issues still to be resolved, INDEX 23—with 550 exhibitors who have booked so far—will clarify industry issues covering the entire nonwovens’ supply chain. At every edition, the nonwovens community comes together under the same roof during four intense days to tackle their concerns and find solutions.
Exhibitors are eager to display their innovations to find new leads, consolidate customer relations and forge new partnerships for the years ahead.
“INDEX is an international event where the complete nonwovens and related products value chain from around the globe converges. Edition after edition, exhibitors and visitors enjoy the opportunity to grow their businesses and find innovative solutions,” says Magali Fakhry Dufresne, director of INDEX.
“This edition couldn’t be timelier, as INDEX will be a great opportunity to find answers for challenges such as energy efficiency, and to understand how nonwovens can contribute to the solutions,” adds Pieter Meijer, chairman of INDEX.
With the current challenges plus the drive to find more and more sustainable and circularity-oriented answers, the industry is getting increasingly competitive. It is thus important to stay on top of pressing industry matters.
“As sustainability and circularity are increasingly orienting the way forward around the industry, we are seeing young talents seeking to develop new products. This new generation is also keen on meeting the industry’s key players, who will be present again at this indispensable event displaying an essential number of innovations,” says Murat Dogru, general manager of EDANA.
A.Celli Nonwovens | Booth 2130
A.Celli Nonwovens, a current leader in its market, has been manufacturing nonwovens machinery for over 75 years and its end-of-line solutions are used every day by the largest manufacturers all around the world.At INDEX, the company will showcase its comprehensive range of E-WIND unwinders, winders and slitter-rewinders featuring state-of-the-art solutions specifically developed for the production of spunbond, spunmelt, spunlace and airlaid nonwovens roll goods. The extensive machinery range offered by the company, which includes also F-LINE lines dedicated to finishing and reprocessing, IRIDIUM flexographic printers, R-WAY solutions for intralogistics automation and industry 4.0-oriented digital solutions, places the company as the most referenced supplier of solutions ranging from unwinding to storage and shipping on the market.
In regards to its R-WAY product range, A.Celli Nonwovens will take this opportunity to let its visitors experience the new A.Celli AGV on display, an example of the complete line of automated vehicles designed and developed to handle raw materials, semi-finished and finished products (reels or bales) in any nonwoven or paper production plant.
www.acelli.it
Andritz | Booth 2114
International technology group Andritz will present its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at INDEX. The broad Andritz product portfolio covers state-of-the-art nonwovens and textile production technologies such as air-through bonding, needlepunch, spunlace, spunbond, wetlaid/wetlace, converting, textile finishing, airlay, textile recycling and natural fiber processing.Sustainability is a serious responsibility for the entire industry and will continue to be so for the years and decades to come. Thus, Andritz’s “We Care” sustainability program combines all ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) initiatives, goals and achievements under one roof. “We Care” takes a multi-dimensional, comprehensive and practically oriented approach towards sustainability.
For many years now, Andritz has offered different nonwoven processes for biodegradable wipes, like spunlace, wetlace and wetlace CP with one goal in mind: reduction and elimination of plastic components, while maintaining the high quality of the desired product properties. The latest development in this field is the Andritz neXline wetlace CP line. This is a fully engineered production line combining the benefits of drylaid and wetlaid technologies to produce a new generation of biodegradable wipes. To reduce the energy consumption of these lines, Andritz has developed the neXecodry drying technology. It is a combination of dewatering and drying processes that significantly reduces energy consumption and achieves better fabric quality with higher bulk and no pattern degradation.
Another strong focus of the booth will be the Andritz product range of complete textile recycling lines for post-consumer and industrial textile waste to produce fibers for re-spinning and/or nonwoven end-uses. Customer awareness and regulations are pushing clothing brands to recycle their textile waste in their own products. Recycled fibers can also be used in the nonwovens industry for various applications, such as automotive, insulation, mattresses, filtration and furniture felts. All these kinds of materials can be produced by the Andritz airlay technology, which can perfectly process recycled fibers. It is offered as a complete line with thermal bonding, needlelooms, or other bonding methods.
The current movement for sustainability and the use of recycled fibers, in blends or even 100%, is also reflected in needlepunch products and processes. Andritz fully supports this market demand and has developed comprehensive solutions to control and collect the additional dust generated during the manufacturing process of recycled fibers. With the right dust collection equipment, the process is also sustainable.
For resource savings in durable nonwovens production, Andritz presents its ProWin technology for profile web weight correction, which is used to optimize fabric evenness and provide a faster return on investment in the needlepunch segment. By combining the well-known and proven technologies ProWid and ProDyn, ProWin allows customers to achieve the lowest CV-ratio ever, reaching more demanding markets and saving up to 2% additional fibers compared to ProDyn. In addition, ProWin drastically smooths the level of instantaneous acceleration in the crosslapper. As a consequence, the same equipment can run faster with less mechanical stress, improving the crosslapper’s lifetime and potentially minimizing maintenance operation costs.
Andritz also provides complete lines and individual machines to produce nonwovens for hygiene applications, such as air-through bonding, spunlace lines, nonwovens calenders, Spunjet equipment, and complete converting lines for baby, adult and femcare products.
For instance, one highlight at INDEX will be the latest technology development in the spunlaid sector: the patented nonwovens process called Spunjet. It is the in-line hydroentanglement of continuous filaments, creating a new generation of spunlaid nonwovens with unrivalled bulkiness and softness compared to standard spunbond fabrics. Spunjet offers customers the best properties ever achieved in existing and new nonwovens applications.
Moreover, Andritz will put the spotlight on its eXcelle adult pant converting line, which offers top-class components and an innovative technology process. The growing market for adult incontinence products has resulted in a state-of-the-art process with highest quality standards, such as the development of ultrasonic side seam solutions with excellent results in terms of bond strength and system reliability. The machine speed no longer limits quality bonds. As a result, operations and size changes are faster and easier. The modern forming system for higher SAP (superabsorbent polymers) concentration and the turning and placing system guarantee maximum process stability and put customers’ adult pants at the top of the adult hygiene market.
www.andritz.com
BTSR | Booth 2151
With 20+ years of experience in providing high-tech solutions for elastic yarns control in the hygiene sector, BTSR is constantly committed to innovation and new advanced solutions with effective improvements in the diaper process lines.Following the previous and successful ‘DUO-LOOP Control’ System, hygiene sector customers’ demand is now constantly shifting to the new ‘Trio-Loop Control Loop’ System (BTSR Patent) Function, which further ensures the precise desired fiber feeding tension value in the machine fiber insertion point.
‘Trio-Loop Control’ System Function is based on TMS Sensor ‘Tension and Metering’ control technology. The TMS sensor comes with a new design which results in minimization of static contacts, significant reduction of spandex stress and spandex breakages and machine stops drastically decrease.
The Trio-Loop System is easily retrofittable on current MatrixCube Systems installed in the factories by delivering a concrete technology upgrade with concrete results in the production efficiency and quality and a measurable ‘return on investment.’
In addition, BTSR has recently developed PC-Link Web Diaper, a web-based software solution providing accurate production data monitoring and collection capability.
PC-Link Web Diaper is a unique Industry 4.0 remote programming monitoring and evaluation tool. All traced data can be stored either on a local or on company database and then utilized for internal strategic and operational evaluations in production management.
Last but not least, the new system comes with the brand new Matrix Touch touch-screen terminal display for easy programming and real time monitoring of production process status also in graphical form.
“We are proud of these ultimate innovations resulting from our long-term R&D Division experience,” says Angelo Rizzo, sales general manager of BTSR International S.p.A. “Thanks to Trio-Loop Solution and PC-Link Diaper factory-based software tool, BTSR confirms its leadership as technological partner in providing smart and innovative solutions in the hygiene sector’’
www.btsr-hygiene.com
CHT | Booth 1259
CHT will offer the Duron fiber auxiliary range, indispensable process agents and smart chemistry to functionalize nonwovens to meet the increasing machinery producers, market, customer and regulatory demands. Additionally, the company consistently integrates aspects of sustainability into its actions understanding future sustainability trends and deriving appropriate measures for its business. Sustainability remains deeply anchored in the company’s strategy. Energy and climate protection, portfolio management, supply chain responsibility, staff commitment and resource efficiency as well as responsible production are the focal points of its sustainability management.Permanent hydrophilic products for fibers and nonwovens used in absorbent hygiene products offer softness, for comfortable wear, excellent transfer of the liquid from topsheet to the acquisition distribution layer and subsequently to the diaper core to guarantee dry and healthy skin. These products also support the need for long-term hydrophilic performance, especially after storage, and the upcoming demand for bio-based raw materials.
www.solutions.cht.com
Emtec | Booth 2301
Whether the product is needlepunched garments, protective clothing, sanitary pads or baby diapers—many nonwoven materials must achieve certain haptic standards to meet customer demands. Especially when the product is meant for personal use, research shows that consumers prefer materials that are pleasing to the touch.Depending on the product, this could mean softer, smoother, more cushioned, or having good draping qualities, for example. Yet parameters influencing comfort are notoriously difficult to measure objectively. The human tactile sensation is a complex and highly individual phenomenon, influenced by many factors, including personal sensitivity and preference, culture, and even one’s current mood. Traditionally, the haptic of nonwovens is measured via hand-panel testing, in which one or more “touch experts” rank the overall haptic impression by physical touching, crumpling and stretching the samples. Typical drawbacks to this method include the time needed for the organization and repeat testing, as well as the often subjective results, which are not always reproducible across various locations.
At INDEX 2023, German testing device manufacturer emtec Electronic will present a practical solution to this challenge: the TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer. The TSA allows nonwoven manufacturers and chemical suppliers to objectively and reliably test the haptic quality of their products along the individual parameters softness, smoothness, flexibility, as well as deformation and springback behavior.
“Specific knowledge about the individual parameters influencing the comfort factor helps nonwovens professionals to experiment with certain haptic traits, identify why one product is preferred over another, and ultimately develop consumer-pleasing new products,” says Alexander Grüner, emtec global marketing and business development manager.
In the tissue paper industry (including handkerchiefs, kitchen roll and toilet paper), the same test device—known in the field as the TSA Tissue Softness Analyzer—has already become an established standard for haptic measurement worldwide and has been featured in a TAPPI Technical Information Paper (TIP 0808-07 (2021)).
www.emtec-electronic.com
Exten | Booth 1450
Exten will present its latest innovative solutions for hygiene, medical and automotive applications and will illustrate the important organizational improvements in the framework of sustainability. Its goal is to offer its customers zero waste production and an increasingly reduced environmental impact. In the last year Exten obtained ISO 14001 (Environmental System Management) together with ISO 50001 (Energy Management System) certifications. Furthermore, Exten SA maintains its Silver Medal on the Ecovadis platform.The latest investments allow Exten to offer innovative solutions in the wide sector of elastic films and for diapers with laminated elastic ears. The improvements it obtained, enable it to offer a high level of softness, better mechanical properties, textile appearance, without glue single-component formulation, totally and easily recyclable.
In addition to the current range of products, the versatility of Exten’s new production hall will allow it to supply the market with a wide choice of innovative products.
During the last few years, special attention has been paid to the improvement of highly breathable monolithic viral barrier films, as well as to all medical laminates widely used for the production of apparels resistant to viral penetration.
www.exten.ch
Groz-Beckert | Booth 2541
At INDEX, Groz-Beckert will present the latest innovations from its product area Carding. The InLine card clothing series for the nonwovens industry will take center stage at the Groz-Beckert exhibition booth. A new and patented manufacturing process made the development of the innovative metallic card clothing series possible. It offers customers improved process reliability and increased uptime of the card. At the same time, the new process enables environmentally friendly and resource-saving production.In addition to a controlled and precise hardening of the teeth, the wires are characterized by a reduced rib height and a completely scale-free surface. An exhibit at the booth will demonstrate what distinguishes the new process from the conventional production method and will highlight the differences between the new Groz-Beckert InLine card clothing series and its predecessor generation.
The first special geometry of the Groz-Beckert InLine card clothing series to be developed was the SiroLock plus worker and doffer wire. It impresses with a more effective fiber take-up, control and transfer. Augmented reality will allow visitors to experience the functionality and operating principle behind SiroLock plus at INDEX.
www.groz-beckert.com
H.B. Fuller | Booth 1522
H.B. Fuller will exhibit at INDEX 23, where it will present the three foundation pillars of its new “Grow in the Now” vision for hygiene manufacturers, driven by a strong commitment to collaborate with customers, innovate and advance H.B. Fuller’s sustainable solutions for the hygiene and nonwovens industry as a whole.The specialty hygiene adhesives team will highlight its wide range of innovative technologies and applications underpinned by the three pillars of the “Grow in the Now” philosophy.
Thriving Collaboration is more than a priority for H.B. Fuller—it is a shared belief applied every day across the organization, and with customers, for a greater purpose and business outcomes. At INDEX 23, the company will officially launch a Virtual Hygiene Technical Center. This new interactive solution brings the experience of H.B. Fuller’s full technical expertise and capabilities to customers, anytime and anywhere, at an advanced level. Expectations are high, surrounding the unveiling of the new tool and customers and business partners will take part in this digitized collaboration.
Reimagine Solutions is the mantra of the H.B. Fuller Hygiene team. At this exhibit, manufacturers will have the opportunity to learn about its comprehensive adhesive portfolio. As products and processes are tailored to meet the ever-evolving market demands and unique applications, the onsite experts will also showcase how they are reimagining solutions for the industry, providing an opportunity for customers to draw on their extensive experience to discover the best solutions for their specifications.
Advancing Sustainability is a strong lever of H.B. Fuller’s global commitment toward a more circular economy. Adhesive solutions are a key enabler for everyday products, especially for manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact by working with more sustainable substrates, improving production efficiencies, and reducing material usage, energy and greenhouse gas emissions. With a variety of options, such as low-application temperature, high mileage, special core, or the portfolio of bio-based adhesives, H.B. Fuller presents technologies that enable the reduction of the carbon footprint of absorbent hygiene articles.
“As a market leader in hygiene adhesives, we are proud to be at the forefront of this exciting industry. INDEX 23 gives us the opportunity to exchange ideas with our customers and partners about the needs and innovations across the hygiene supply chain. In addition to our innovative portfolio, H.B. Fuller is also unveiling a new technical digital solution and providing high specification applications to enable the production of smarter personal care articles,” says Larissa Janka, business director Hygiene in Europe at H.B. Fuller.
www.hbfuller.com
Henkel | Booth 2255
Under the motto “Rethink Nonwovens,” Henkel will present breakthrough solutions to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of nonwovens manufacturing at INDEX 2023. Henkel will showcase Technomelt DM ECO, a new sustainability-focused adhesives grade for the nonwovens market. For high performance, high efficiency bonding applications, Henkel will present its state-of-the-art Easyflow hot melt adhesive solution, which employs an auto-feed system for safe and efficient delivery to set new standards in process performance. At INDEX, visitors can also learn more about Smart Adult Care, an innovative solution from Henkel Qhesive Solutions that combines nonwovens with printable electronics to revolutionize adult incontinence management.“INDEX brings together the global nonwovens key value chain players to meet, collaborate and discover the latest innovations and best practices. As a leading partner to this dynamic industry, we are excited to present solutions that allow our customers to design and manufacture safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective products and materials,” says Eilyn Meneses Villabona, senior market strategy manager Personal Hygiene Adhesives EIMEA at Henkel.
With Technomelt DM ECO, Henkel is launching a sustainability-focused grade for the first time to the European nonwovens market. The new range of direct bio-based adhesives for hygiene products construction enables elastics and positioning applications to be carried out with more than 50% bio-based, non-fossil sources. In this way, Technomelt DM ECO makes more sustainable product designs possible, while helping hygiene manufacturers reduce their CO2 footprint. The adhesives range is compatible with renewable and standard substrates without compromising on process efficiency.
Henkel will also present its Easyflow hot melt adhesive system at INDEX 2023. This cutting-edge adhesive is based on a new pressure-sensitive, patented product form that enables safe and efficient delivery, and increases production line’s efficiency. Supplied in small, non-sticky micro chubs, the adhesive’s unique form melts on demand, and enables the auto-feeding of Technomelt DM adhesives into hot melt tanks to enhance safety and operations while avoiding interruptions to production. The auto-feeding process minimizes the time the adhesive is molten inside the tank, reducing the risk of the build-up of VOCs while also reducing energy consumption by up to 20%. Easyflow’s closed system integration reduces the risk of adhesives contamination from foreign materials entering the hot melt tanks.
www.henkel.com
Herrmann Ultraschall
To make the costly process of elastic fixation in nonwovens more efficient, Herrmann Ultraschall has developed an innovative process: the anchoring of elastic threads with ultrasonics. Producers benefit from a flexible, stable and sustainable process that improves the customer experience while reducing production costs.This patented anchoring process is based on a new type of sonotrode. Thanks to its unique surface structure, the welding tool creates a tunnel between the nonwoven layers, through which the elastic threads are guided. Depending on the application, specific welding points are created continuously or intermittently, in which the threads are anchored in the nonwoven only by means of ultrasonics.
Thanks to the ultrasonics, a distinct advantage is that the anchoring of elastic threads does not require any additional joining agents. Compared to conventional bonding processes, this significantly reduces resource and energy consumption and thus overall manufacturing costs. The elimination of chemicals also improves the feel, the sustainability balance of the products and their durability, as the elasticity of the threads is retained for a longer period of time.
At the same time, the ultrasonic process significantly reduces the risk of thread breakage because the elastic threads do not come into contact with the welding tool during the anchoring process. Instead, they are slightly deformed by the special shape of the tunnels created by the sonotrode, so that after anchoring, the surface friction between the filaments and the nonwovens increases, thus improving their adhesion.
Compared to previous solutions that relied on ultrasonics, thread guidance via the sonotrode also offers additional benefits: “Previously, you needed an anvil roller that was specially engraved for an application. This made precise thread guidance costly and complex,” explains Dr. Raquel Roussel-Garcia, Application Development Nonwovens, at Herrmann. “Thanks to the innovative geometry of the guiding channels in the sonotrode, we can implement many different material combinations and product sizes with a single tool. This minimizes investment costs and makes the process much more flexible.”
Since the sonotrode is part of a simple quick-change system, it is also possible to reduce downtime and maintenance costs in production, she adds.
www.herrmann-ultraschall.com
ICAP-SIRA | Booth 1303
The strategic innovation plan of ICAP-SIRA was reorganized in 2021. This plan provides for eight lines of research in which the company is investing with a view to business continuity considering the most recent regulatory requests in the field of product and process safety.This innovation plan is an essential part of the process of remapping and reconversion of corporate processes with a view to sustainability, with the reduction of the impacts in terms of LifeCycle Assessment and resources of natural and energy consumption. These lines of research have a transversal character and are therefore applicable to all application sectors in which the range of ICAP-SIRA products finds application.
In particular ICAP-SIRA is introducing at INDEX a new product range—launched in 2023—of biobased acrylic and polyurethanes polymers which is composed by 33 completely new polymers.
These new products have a renewable carbon content ranging from 50-70% that comes from new monomers that have been developed by suppliers with an aim of substituting fossil based raw materials and providing a better carbon footprint.
The new Acrilem ECO are acrylate based polymers both in water dispersion (for chemical bonding of fibers) and in UV curable hot melt form (for pressure sensitive applications). Meanwhile, the Idrocap ECO series contains differing polyurethanes from new polyethers and polyesters with high renewable carbon content. These polymers can be applied as chemical binders where high elasticity is required and as surface modifiers.
www.icapsira.com
Ihsan Sons | Booth 1130
Ihsan Sons (Pvt) Ltd is a leading certified manufacturer and exporter of premium quality bleached absorbent cotton, 100% cotton spunlace nonwoven fabric and cotton wipes.With more than 30 years of experience in the cotton business, Ihsan Sons (Pvt) Ltd is known for its excellent quality and customer service. The company is committed to providing customers with the highest quality absorbent cotton and nonwoven spunlace fabric. The absorbent cotton has various grades and qualities and it is suitable for the application of medical and hygiene products including cotton balls, rolls and swabs, ortho cotton, nonwoven cotton pads and filling purposes.
Ihsan Sons (Pvt) Ltd. uses advanced technology and innovative techniques to create 100% cotton spunlace nonwoven fabric that is comfortable, stylish and durable. This fabric is suitable for the application of medical, personal or femcare and hygiene products such as sanitary pads, panty liners, under pads, nursing pads, incontinence, diapers, wound care, examine sheets; personal care products such as dry and wet cotton wipes, cosmetic pads, face masks and cleaning products such as mops.
It is a certified company that follows an approved procedure for the production of cotton wipes. It uses only the top-quality raw materials that are certified by Asthma Allergy Denmark, Oeko-Tex Class 1 product, etc. The production process is meticulously monitored to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. The company also adheres to strict environmental and safety standards, making sure that no hazardous chemicals are used in the production process. Finally, the company has a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals to ensure that the products meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
In addition to offering high-quality products, Ihsan Sons (Pvt) Ltd is also dedicated to sustainability. All of its products are made from natural and organic materials, and the company is committed to providing its customers with eco-friendly solutions that will help reduce their environmental impact. Ihsan Sons (Pvt) Ltd is a trusted name in 100% cotton, and it has become a leader in the industry.
www.ihsansons.com
IMA TMC | Booth 2170
IMA Tissue and Nonwoven Hub will attend INDEX 2023 to introduce new technologies specially dedicated to absorbency products and wet wipes packaging. IMA Tissue&Nonwoven is IMA’s cluster of companies proposing itself as main contractor, from converting to packaging, for complete lines for wet and dry wipes, absorbent mats, baby and adult diapers packaging, cosmetic masks, gloves, face masks and respirators.As a Concrete Partner, the strength of IMA Tissue & Nonwoven resides into the gathering of a pool of vertically specialized companies, joined by one vision: offering its customers complete and tailored solutions, with a commitment to sustainability.
At INDEX 23, visitors will have the chance to get in touch with the IMA brands specialized in the nonwovens field.
Also this year IMA TMC will present its machine for the primary packaging of diapers: D-NAMIC, an automatic stacker and bagger for baby and adult diapers, light incontinence and bed under pads in pre-formed bags. With a very compact footprint, this machine features high-speed output up to 75 bags/minute. It can run with either plastic or paper-based and 100% recyclable films, both in accordance with sustainability practices. Also, on April 18, starting from 10.30 a.m., the speech “Dynamic and sustainable solutions in the sanitary disposable products packaging” will be held by Davide Montanari, sales area manager Nonwoven.
IMA Teknoweb’s full array of technologies to convert and pack wet and dry wipes, cosmetic masks, gloves, face masks and respirators will be under the spotlight. A preview will also be unveiled on the latest technological development for absorbent mats, for outstanding finished products at a very high speed. Not to be missed, the disinfectant wet wipes converters for personal and home care: IMA Teknoweb provides machinery for IPA alcohol-soaked wipes, compliant to the explosion proof regulations (ATEX).
Pioneers in the design of revolutionary flow wrapping solutions dedicated to innovative, reclosable and attractive packs, IMA Ilapak stands out today as a market leader in both the wet and dry wipes industry. At INDEX, get the chance to discover the Delta WW OF-HSX, the first-class flow wrapper for the wet wipes industry. Energy saving and sustainability are the key aspects of this flow rapper, capable of wrapping wet wipes up to 170 ppm with traditional laminated films and up to 130 ppm with fully recyclable materials.
www.ima-tmc.com
Kadant | Booth 2081
Kadant roll cleaning systems provide a compact and unique technology that offers improved cleaning results for increased uptime and reduced maintenance costs in a variety of industrial roll and belt cleaning applications. Roll cleaning systems provide precise blade load adjustment and quick blade change.The VeriLite is a compact and unique scraper assembly that is ideal for safely cleaning rolls.
The manufacture of nonwoven materials is carried out in three stages: web formation, web bonding, and finishing treatment. Some typical web formation techniques are drylaid, wetlaid, spunlaid and meltblown. What these processes have in common is the use of rolls, fabrics, and belts to transport the nonwoven sheet throughout the different manufacturing steps. It is important these are kept clean to avoid process upsets and maximize output. If they are not kept clean, this can increase machine contamination, which eventually leads to sheets defects and quality issues. Kadant has a variety of solutions that provide continuous cleaning of rolls (fabrics and belts).
Avoid cleaning by hand, manual and any risk of injury and quick blade change increases production time.
Replace human cleaning by hand (better quality and safety) or to simplify the design and manufacture, for a more compact and less expensive solution compared to traditional doctor cleaning system.
The patent pending VeriLite roll cleaner assembly provides a compact, safe and unique scraper that offers excellent cleaning results to improve uptime and reduce maintenance costs in a variety of industrial roll and belt cleaning applications. (Less parts and maintenance.)
Allow remote control, continue and automatic cleaning of the rolls. Avoid wires of the fibers or fabrics—Less machine down—increase production.
Benefits / Features:
- Light-weight metal alloy construction
- Compact design fits into tight locations / Easier overall integration
- Can be safely operated from remote location
- Quick blade change design
- Appropriate for wet, dry, and harsh environments
- Uniform pressure application & precise blade load adjustment
- Large selection of blade materials for any application
- Self-pivoting roll cleaning blade holder
- Available fully enclosed for dirty or harsh environments
- No external air cylinder
- Less parts = Less maintenance
- Option to oscillate with the Varimatic 500 oscillator
KNH | Booth 4344
KNH will exhibit a series of eco-friendly materials and feminine hygiene products at INDEX 23. These include natural bio-based nonwovens and recycled nonwovens, bamboo sanitary napkins and panty liners, flushable wipes and food-grade hand and mouth wipes without alcohol and preservatives, sanitary napkins, pads and liners that are made of mono-materials PP or PE, and biodegradable maternity pads and underpads.www.knw.com.tw
Lenzing Instruments | Booth 2304
Textechno group member Lenzing Instruments presents quality assurance measurement systems for producers and converters of nonwovens and staple fiber. Customers are offered solutions for various automation requests, including laboratory testing equipment, at-line high volume testing instruments together with online monitoring systems.A visit at Lenzing Instruments booth means an opportunity to view and examine the following products and to discuss the benefits of the rest of the extensive product range:
Nonwovens for hygienic applications
Essential material tests for nonwoven topsheet (coverstock) aimed for hygienic applications include verification of performance indicators such as liquid strike-through, rewet and run-off.
All three areas are covered by Lenzing Instruments’ Lister AC, Wetback and RUNOFF. INDA/EDANA-standardized function and design ensure for accurate and reproducible feedback on the fluid management of the nonwoven material.
Verify flushability of wet wipes
In line with the rising usage of nonwoven wipes for hygienic and cleaning purposes, the necessity of reliable flushability verification has become of vital importance in order to maintain the functionality of sewage systems. By means of mechanical oscillations of nonwoven samples surrounded by water, Lenzing Instruments’ SLOSH BOX 100 allows for an estimation of the disintegration potential and the behavior of the material in a gravity sewer. The Slosh Box 100 test is crucial for the classification of flushability and hence correct labelling of the finished product.
High-precision testing of staple fiber
The realization of set quality criteria for the raw material staple fiber is guaranteed by applying Vibroskop 500, Vibrodyn 500 and Vibrotex 400 for income control of titer (dtex, den), tenacity and elongation as well as the crimp characteristics of single fibers. In combination with the versatile and flexible software program, these fiber testing instruments feature a perfect tool both for regular quality control as well as for research and development applications.
Process control with Lenzing Instruments means customer-tailored systems with real-time access to measurement results by means of the latest communication technology. The Nonwovens Orientation System NOS 300 offers online and continuous monitoring of the fiber orientation along and across the nonwoven web. The ratio of fibers in the respective web direction gives indirect information about the tensile strength of the nonwoven material. Additionally, monitoring of the fiber orientation ratio yields information about the homogeneity of the web.
Visitors will be able to experience BT 100, a bulk tester, which tests compressibility, filling power and recovery properties of filling materials such as bulky staple fibers and bulky filament yarns.
The automated test procedure for repetitive compressing and decompressing of the material enables testing of a high number of single fibers during one and the same test run.
Testing equipment for geotextiles
Lenzing Instruments GE-TE-FLOW and GT 1200 enable automated and standardized analysis of the performance of geotextiles and similar materials: Featuring low water consumption, short test duration as well as compact and robust design, GE-TE-FLOW offers users easy and thorough testing of the water permeability , including determination of the VIH50 index. The next generation of GE-TE-FLOW can be applied for both falling head and constant head measurements. GT 1200 enables reproducible and accurate analysis of the characteristic opening size by determining the size of sand grains passing through the material.
Wicking characteristics of nonwoven and woven materials
Advanced camera and illumination technology for in-depth analysis of fluid transport processes such as wicking characteristics, liquid absorption, liquid retention and liquid loss in textile structures already once was a part of Lenzing Instruments’ product portfolio. This project was temporarily paused and now INDEX 23 will serve as a stepping-stone for the next level in this development project, which is now to be revived.
www.lenzing-instruments.com
Oerlikon | Booth 2314
At INDEX, Oerlikon will present its product portfolio for nonwovens applications for numerous technical, hygiene and medical solutions focusing on sustainability, quality and efficiency. Trade fair attendees will be able to take a closer look at the hycuTEC charging unit, the current holder of the Filtrex Innovation Award, among other things.“When developing our technologies, we not only focus on system efficiency and product quality, but also on sustainability, energy efficiency and preserving resources,” explains Ingo Mählmann, vice president, sales & marketing at Oerlikon Nonwoven.
Oerlikon’s declared objective is to be the leading partner for manufacturing sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions in the nonwovens industry. “There are many future-oriented bio-based and biodegradable polymers that can be used to produce nonwovens,” adds Mählmann. “Here, we want to support our customers in becoming pioneers in processing such polymers.” Alternatives to the standard polymers widespread today are required and Oerlikon Nonwoven is able to offer the competence and the technologies for processing these new polymers.
Bio-based polylactic acid nonwovens, based on PLA, may offer an alternative for those wanting to manufacture sustainable nonwovens. And the Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown and spunbond technologies are ideally suited for processing PLA, for example. At INDEX, the company will be showcasing a sample application: medical oronasal masks manufactured entirely from PLA nonwovens.
Preserving resources with the hycuTEC, winner of the Filtrex Innovation Award 2022, allows Oerlikon Nonwoven to offer a technology for the efficient and simultaneously energy-saving charging of meltblown nonwovens. This enables the filter efficiency to be increased to more than 99.99%.
This innovative technology is able to dispense with an additional drying process when manufacturing most highly-separating electret filter media, allowing considerable savings in the consumption of water and, above all, the energy required for drying. In turn, this ensures very low energy consumption both in the manufacturing process itself and across the entire lifespan of the hycuTEC filter media – used in ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, for example. Furthermore, meltblown producers are able to achieve potential raw material savings of around 30% as a result of the improved efficiency of the media. In other words: the same or even superior performance for lower media running meter weights. As a result, the hycuTEC technology is a particularly future-proof, resource-friendly technology.
With its Phantom technology, Oerlikon Nonwoven offers an innovative co-form technology for manufacturing wipes – including wet wipes made from pulp and polymer fibers, for instance. Here, the properties of pulp and polymer are combined in a manner that perfectly unites the properties of the starting materials. The material mix can comprise up to 90% cellulose fibers, which is a renewable raw material. Choosing a bio-based and biodegradable polymer enables the entire wipe to be manufactured in a ‘plastic-free,’ and hence environmentally-friendly, manner.
Compared to conventional processes such as spunlace (hydroentangled carded nonwovens), the patented Phantom technology offers ecological, performance and cost advantages both in the application and in the manufacture: dispensing with hydroentanglement renders subsequent drying of the material redundant, therefore saving on the energy required for drying. Product parameters, such as softness, tenacity, dirt absorption and liquid absorption, can be optimized by means of the recipe and the process settings. The Phantom technology enables the manufacture of both flexible and absorbent structures and highly-textured materials.
Airlaid technology, sustainable nonwovens made from pulp or cellulose fibers as raw material, are currently virtually unrivaled with regards to sustainability and environmental compatibility. The Oerlikon Nonwoven airlaid process is the ideal solution for processing this raw material into high-end products for a wide range of applications. Today, there is huge demand for manufacturing solutions for high-quality, lightweight airlaid nonwovens with economically-attractive production speeds and system throughputs. Here, the patented Oerlikon Nonwoven formation process, which has proven itself in numerous production systems, is setting standards – for homogeneous fiber laying and superb evenness even for nonwovens with low running meter weights. Whether as a system exclusively for airlaid nonwovens or combined with other nonwoven processes, the benefits of the Oerlikon Nonwoven airlaid technology are today already being deployed in numerous applications.
The Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division is a leading provider of comprehensive polymer processing plant solutions and high-precision flow control component equipment. The division provides polycondensation and extrusion lines, manmade fiber filament spinning solutions, texturing machines, BCF and staple fiber lines and nonwoven production systems. Its engineering competence leads to sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for the entire textile value added chain with a circular economy approach. Moreover, Oerlikon develops and produces advanced and innovative hot runner systems for the injection molding industry as well as customized gear metering pumps for the textile, automotive, chemical, dyes and lacquers industries.
The division serves customers through its technology brands—Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag, Oerlikon Nonwoven and Oerlikon HRSflow—in around 120 countries with production, sales, distribution and service organizations.
www.oerlikon.com
Optima | Booth 2581
Optima will present the new Optima HSC horizontal high-speed cartoner. The cartoner takes speed combined with format flexibility to a new level in the packaging industry. Its agility greatly exceeds previous solutions on the packaging machine market. Optima will also be presenting an innovative and flexible solution that enables a variety of environmentally friendly packaging materials to be used in the paper hygiene sector. The group is therefore opening up new opportunities for customers in terms of packaging flexibility.Sustainable packaging materials are in greater demand than ever before. Optima supports companies in meeting this challenge by providing flexible packaging systems such as the new horizontal high-speed cartoner Optima HSC. “Our exhibition appearance has the motto ‘Delivering new flexibility in packaging.’ The new horizontal high-speed cartoner Optima HSC paves the way for this. As a company, we can only achieve honest packaging based on the principle of a holistic view of the circular economy with innovative technologies. At Optima, we have understood and embraced this,” explains Oliver Rebstock, managing director of Optima nonwovens GmbH.
The new horizontal high-speed cartoner Optima HSC opens up new possibilities in terms of packaging flexibility for the paper hygiene industry. What makes this machine special is that the horizontal cartoner enables agility far exceeding the solutions currently available on the market. The system features a packaging process that sets new standards for speed and format flexibility in the paper hygiene industry. The Optima HSC can also be flexibly connected to bag packaging machines. With this combination, it is possible to use a wide variety of packaging materials in one system, including cardboard, paper, biodegradable and PE bags.
Employees in production are increasingly becoming “Connected Workers.” Optima applications support machine operators during their daily work with the machine. They are provided with digital assistance systems that support them in handling the machine. This includes the Optima Format Change Assist, for example, which provides step-by-step instructions for changeovers made between different pack sizes. A remote connection for Optima Service and much more are also included in the service portfolio. The process optimizations achieved reduce waste, increase efficiency thanks to fewer interruptions and improve system availability, which in turn has a positive effect on conserving resources in production.
www.optima-packaging.com
Spoolex | Booth 2451
Spoolex through its Calemard brand, is recognized in the nonwovens industry as a leader in technical slitter-rewinders and Jumbo spooling lines. Recently the French company delivered and commissioned its famous Orion high technical slitter-rewinder at the North Carolina State University and three Jumbo spooling lines Pegase type in Asia, Americas and Europe. But since 2020 and the Covid period, Spoolex has not only improved its range of equipment but has also expanded it by developing around its core expertise in tension control and precise guiding system, many innovative solutions such as: slitter-rewinder with pre-cutting system for dry wipes, turret winder with printing system, a new non-stop winder with very low tension for highly sensitive materials. Information about all these latest developments will be available at Spoolex’s booth at INDEX 23.Thanks to its Decoup+ sister brand expertise in ultrasonic technology, combined with Calemard’s know-how in machine manufacturing, Spoolex also designs ultrasonic splicing units. On nonwovens, the company provides strong, invisible and reliable plain splices, without additive element. The company is offering two technologies, butt-to-butt or overlap splicing for higher strength, under tailored-made configurations: either complete benches to be integrated in-line or separate off-line equipment. Because ultrasonic splicing solutions help reduce labor content, they are already used by many nonwoven producers all over the world in hygiene cost cautious productions. It’s also an environmentally friendly process with wastage reduction and limitation of pollution risk. Decoup+ invites customers to perform trials on site.
www.spoolex.com
SynTouch | Booth 4004
SynTouch will unveil two major innovations at INDEX 23:- The SynTouch EMU Haptics Data System, a cloud-based software database and platform for the analysis, visualization and simulation of haptics data with the goal of reducing the cost and effort necessary to optimize product hand-feel.
- A data-driven, objective solution for helping measure and achieve product softness in comparison to competitors and internal benchmarks.
Since 2017 SynTouch has been successfully helping nonwovens global brands and specialty manufacturers design, formulate and market their end-products, components and materials in baby care, femcare, adult care, wipes, PPE and paper products.
www.syntouchinc.com
Toscotec | Booth 1641
Toscotec, a Voith company, is joining the market in the field of Wetlaid Spunlace plants with the supply of high-performance end-of-line machines including winders, rewinders and packaging solutions.Voith and cooperation partner Trützschler Nonwovens have a long-standing cooperation for the supply of full lines from fiber feed to End Section and already delivered several Wet-Laying/Spunlacing and Carded/Pulp lines to various customers.
Building on its technological expertise in tissue, Toscotec developed a complete machinery portfolio designed to ensure product quality, high efficiency, and high production capacity to nonwoven producers.
OPTIMA WinderNW
- Electro-mechanical winding system and pneumatic clutch based on core-assist drive
- Superior nip control with load cells for bulk preservation
- Tension control to maintain product characteristics
OPTIMA RewinderNW
- An efficient web tensioning system prevents elongation loss: by continuously and precisely controlling the speed of the drive motors – also during machine acceleration and deceleration - the web is carefully guided through rewinding to avoid any stretching
- Automaticnip control system: the load cells installed on the rider roll and the core chucks send continuous feedback to the control system, so that the actual thickness and bulk of the wound reel is detected and adjusted in real time
- Uniform reel density throughout the customer’s working shifts delivers an increase in winding efficiency
- Option to install a fully automated shaft puller
Packaging Solutions
- Full Customization based on the customer’s needs (production, available space, etc.)
- Best-in-class packaging technologies
Trützschler | Booth 1641
Trützschler Nonwovens, Trützschler Card Clothing and Voith present efficient manufacturing of fiber-based nonwovens. The company will demonstrate the latest developments in pulp-based CP (Carded-Pulp) and WLS (Wet-Laid/Spunlaced) technologies, T-Suprema needlepunching solutions combined with T-One, its digital working environment to boost nonwovens production in terms of productivity, quality and ease of use.Trützschler Nonwovens and Voith display new opportunities of paper-grade pulp as raw material for hydroentangled, biodegradable, single-use nonwovens. Since energy efficiency manufacturing is on everybody’s agenda, find out about its solutions for reducing energy and other resource consumption. Its cooperation partner Voith and its subsidiary Toscotec will be available for in-depth talks about wet-laying machinery. Voith provides highly innovative solutions for manufacturing textiles and nonwovens that offer economic and ecological benefits. As a full-line supplier, Voith achieves optimal fine-tuning of nonwoven products by focusing on long-term partnerships.
Trützschler roller cards for CP, spunlacing, needlepunching and thermal bonding processes are all equipped with high performing Trützschler card clothings. At the booth Trützschler Card Clothing will present latest innovations and the extensive, worldwide available service offers that secure continuous high running performance.
With T-Suprema, needlepunching becomes as easy as never before. Trützschler Nonwovens’ key partnership with Texnology s.r.l. already proved its concept. The company shows solutions for both durable nonwovens used in technical end uses and disposable nonwovens for hygiene purposes.
An integral part of all T-Suprema lines is the T-One software package. This working environment integrates AI-based algorithms to simulate line behavior for easily optimizing line efficiency, resource consumption or nonwoven quality. Moreover, the software digitalizes major production-related working processes such as quality control or recipe management and constantly monitors product data, machine parameters and line performance.
www.trützschler.com