Continuing its efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic, RadiciGroup has invested in new production line for meltblown nonwoven, the material used for manufacturing protective face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Since the start of the pandemic, Radici has been supplying spunbond nonwovens for the manufacture of medical gowns and other PPE.
“In the midst of the pandemic crisis,” says Maurizio Radici, vice president and COO of RadiciGroup, “The lack of meltblown nonwoven became evident. We kept receiving tens of requests from potential customers. A very small quantity of meltblown material is produced in Europe, which is certainly not sufficient to meet demand in a health emergency. Given our extensive experience in the field of nonwovens, we swiftly began figuring out how to set up a chain for the production of PPE in Italy. And, as soon as the opportunity arose to take concrete action, we had no hesitation to jump on it."
The new line, which represents an investment of €15 million, is currently in the installation phace. Featuring sophisticated technology, the line has a high production capacity and can also realize products with special technical characteristics, not only made of polypropylene, but other polymers including polyester, polyamide and TPU. The new line is being set up at Tessiture Pietro Radici SpA, a group company based in Gandino (Bergamo), Italy.