Reusable hygiene products are becoming more widely accepted and, as with disposable items, absorbency is one of the key performance requirements. Technical Absorbents has been developing its superabsorbent SAF washable fabric technology with such applications in mind. In November, the company will attend Hygienix –The Premier Event for Absorbent Hygiene & Personal Care Markets – and display its washable range at the conference’s table top event. 
 
The annual four-day event, held at the Hyatt Regency Houston in Texas, will attract global industry players. “This will be the first time we have attended Hygienix but it is very timely,” explains Product Development Director Mark Paterson. “We have been monitoring developments in the reusable hygiene space for some time and over the past couple of years it has definitely been gathering momentum. With this in mind, one of the main focuses of our R&D team has been designing washable fabrics that are suitable for feminine and light incontinence products.

SAF washable fabrics provide the same high levels of absorbency as disposable fabrics but can be washed and re-used. Once in a final fabric construction, studies have indicated modest absorbency loss of 20% after 40 wash cycles.

“To withstand laundering, our fabrics must be positioned between two outer layers,” continues Paterson. “Outer layers can be selected as required to suit product design and functional requirement. However, it is useful for us to understand what a customer is looking to ultimately achieve so that we can offer as much information and guidance as possible during the trial and product development process.”  
SAF washable fabrics range from 190 to 450gsm and are typically a blend of SAF™ and other synthetic fibres. Anti-microbial, flame retardant and anti-odour finishes can also be added during the manufacturing process.