• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Applications
    • Technology
    • Market
    • Other
    • Top 40
    • Buyers Guide
    • Hygiene Directory
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Applications
  • Technology
  • Market
  • Other
  • Top 40
  • Buyers Guide
  • Hygiene Directory
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    Southeast Asia Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    2020 Trends in Nonwovens

    Focus on: Eastern Europe and Russia

    The Year that Was 2019

    Nonwovens in Automotives

    Hygiene Components Suppliers Adapt to Change
    Company Cameo
    Financial News
    Machinery Equipment
    New Products
    Nonwovens News
    Patent Review
    People in the News
    Supplier News
    Top News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    NDC Appoints President

    Archroma Names CEO

    Nice-Pak to Offer Sustainable Solutions to Every Customer

    FiltXPO Speaker Line-Up Announced

    Optima Packaging Honored at Regional Competition
    Absorbent Core
    Adult Incontinence
    Antimicrobials
    Apparel
    Automotive and Transportation
    Chemicals / Adhesives
    Construction
    Contract Services
    Diaper, Baby
    Electronics
    Feminine Hygiene
    Fibers
    Filtration
    Flame Retardance
    Geotextile / Agrotextile
    Home Products
    Hygiene Film/Components
    Industrial / Institutional
    Inspection / Quality Control
    Machinery and Equipment
    Medical
    Wipes

    Podcast: Natalia Richer of Diaper Testing International

    Archroma Names CEO

    Nice-Pak to Offer Sustainable Solutions to Every Customer

    The Feur System Offers Help to Incontinence Sufferers

    The Global Market for Baby Care: Where is it Currently and Where is it Going?
    Air Through Bonding
    Airlaid
    Carded/Carding
    Chemical Bonded
    Composite
    Meltblown
    Needlepunch
    Nanotechnology
    Spunbond
    Spunlace
    Thermal Bonded
    Wetlaid

    Freudenberg Acquires Slovenian Needlepuncher

    Airlaid Market Report

    Video: Coming in November 2019

    Nxtnano Introduces nFLUX Nanofiber Membranes

    Freudenberg Submits Offer to Buy Low & Bonar
    China
    Eastern Europe/Russia
    India
    Middle East/North Africa
    North America
    Pacific Rim
    South/Central America
    Turkey
    Western Europe

    Freudenberg Acquires Slovenian Needlepuncher

    Italian Nonwovens Sector on Verge of Breakthrough

    E-Commerce in Africa and the Opportunities for a Hygiene Manufacturer

    Dates Announced for ANDTEX 2020

    Nippon Tungsten Opens Brazilian Facility
    Associations
    Contracts / Awards
    Education
    Facilities / Capacity
    Green / Sustainability
    Legal / Regulatory
    Market Data
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Product Improvement / Innovation
    R&D/Basic Research
    Shows / Events

    Nice-Pak to Offer Sustainable Solutions to Every Customer

    FiltXPO Speaker Line-Up Announced

    Freudenberg Acquires Slovenian Needlepuncher

    Hrinko Honored with INDA Lifetime Service Award

    Chester Honored at Hygienix
    Chart
    Companies
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Infiana

    National Wiper Alliance

    OPTIMA nonwovens GmbH

    Wacker Chemie AG

    XIAMEN GACHN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Brands
    Brand Owners
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • Southeast Asia Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Add Your Company
    • Applications
      • Absorbent Core
      • Adult Incontinence
      • Antimicrobials
      • Apparel
      • Automotive and Transportation
      • Chemicals / Adhesives
      • Construction
      • Contract Services
      • Diaper, Baby
      • Electronics
      • Feminine Hygiene
      • Fibers
      • Filtration
      • Flame Retardance
      • Geotextile / Agrotextile
      • Home Products
      • Hygiene Film/Components
      • Industrial / Institutional
      • Inspection / Quality Control
      • Machinery and Equipment
      • Medical
      • Wipes
    • Technology
      • Air Through Bonding
      • Airlaid
      • Carded/Carding
      • Chemical Bonded
      • Composite
      • Meltblown
      • Needlepunch
      • Nanotechnology
      • Spunbond
      • Spunlace
      • Thermal Bonded
      • Wetlaid
    • Market
      • China
      • Eastern Europe/Russia
      • India
      • Middle East/North Africa
      • North America
      • Pacific Rim
      • South/Central America
      • Turkey
      • Western Europe
    • Other
      • Associations
      • Contracts / Awards
      • Education
      • Facilities / Capacity
      • Green / Sustainability
      • Legal / Regulatory
      • Market Data
      • Mergers and Acquisitions
      • Product Improvement / Innovation
      • R&D/Basic Research
      • Shows / Events
    • Top 40 Companies
      • Chart
      • Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Hygiene Directory
      • Brands
      • Brand Owners
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
      • Live From Asian Connections
    • Resources
      • Suppliers Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Web Showcase
      • Home Page Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Making a better nonwoven with technology

    tips to avoid commoditization and add value using raw materials

    06.16.05
    Return to Table of Contents




     
    Attention nonwovens brand owners, product managers and salespeople. Take the nonwoven product that you make, market or sell, hold it up and examine it. Think carefully about how all of its parts�unique fibers, layers, finishes, elastics or adhesives�work together to provide the end user, the consumer, with a valuable, trustworthy product. That is precisely what raw material suppliers must do everyday.

    In order to improve the performance, functionality and marketability of nonwovens, it is helpful to think as a raw material producer would. This can not only help enhance an existing product offering and innovate new ones, it can help you better understand the benefits and features of nonwovens to better market and sell your nonwoven materials and brands.

    These goals are particularly important as nonwovens applications begin to compete more closely with those of traditional textiles. Raw material providers and nonwovens producers have to continue to work together to make a better, more affordable product with greater performance and functionality.



    Do Not Underestimate The Value of Adhesives
    In the nonwovens industry, hot melt adhesives have a public image problem to overcome. Because very little of the adhesive is visible to the product end user, and as their purpose is largely internal to the end product, adhesives are often viewed as commodity ingredients by nonwoven goods producers. In reality, the picture is quite different: there is real value in an adhesive�s ability to bond dissimilar substrates under a wide range of process conditions�and to keep them together afterward. Imagine a diaper that falls apart on a child as it comes into contact with baby lotion, or a car mat that softens and becomes sticky in the excessive heat of the noonday sun. Adhesives formulated with the right tackifier resins and polymers can help overcome these challenges.

    New tackifiers and polymers for adhesives are set to revolutionize the production, structure, look and disposability of nonwoven products. Formulated into low viscosity adhesives, they enable adhesives to be applied at lower application temperatures than before. This enables the use of thinner, softer substrates, helping the nonwovens producer to develop innovative designs with improved customer appeal. Using tackifiers with better thermal stability improves the appearance of and reduces odor in the final product, reassuring the end user of its sterility and integrity.

    Novel polymers for adhesives are leading to the development of readily disposable products such as diapers, adult incontinence and feminine hygiene products. These polymers are engineered to hold together when in contact with bodily fluids, but to break apart in tap water. In an age where convenient, environmentally friendly products are key selling points, adhesives matter.



    Understand the Function and Value of Polymers
    Polymers are the basic building blocks of a nonwoven, affecting the key properties brand owners seek in a finished nonwoven. They can impart softness, absorption, elasticity, strength, elongation, drapability, moldability and rigidity to a nonwoven product. Yet the choice of polymer for a nonwoven is generally removed from the brand owner. In most cases, a brand owner goes to a roll goods supplier for a sheet of pre-fabricated nonwoven material and handles the assembly of the complete product in-house.

    In medical gowns and drapes, for example, the choice of polymer in the base structure can provide several benefits to the end user. A low-melt viscosity polymer will create a nonwoven with finer denier fibers, offering enhanced water and viral resistance to medical nonwovens. At the same time, the breatheability of these fibers helps to keep them comfortable. Certain polyesters and co-polyesters are engineered to better handle hospital sterilization processes, such as gamma radiation. Others may more readily accept certain dyes, which will enable them to maintain their color through launderings and UV exposure. The right polymer will enable the product to last and look better longer.

    In choosing a polymer, brand owners must also consider polymer adaptability and suitability to specific processing technologies, such as staple fibers, spunbond and meltblown polymer fabrics. Raw material suppliers can work with fiber and roll goods manufacturers and brand owners to select materials that balance production and performance needs, such as processibility and ease-of-assembly with fabric softness, temperature-resistance and sterility.



    Distinguish Yourself with Fiber and Surface Enhancements
    The addition of additives in polymer or topical treatments can be a cost-effective means to enhance the performance of nonwovens without a significant investment in new equipment.

    The addition of an antimicrobial to a polymer fiber, fiber blend or nonwoven can help to retard odor, maintaining fabric freshness. Such treatments offer huge, marketable benefits to the makers of bed linens, worker uniforms and sportswear. By retarding body odor, antimicrobials keep fabrics smelling fresher for longer.

    Nonwoven wipes treated with cellulose esters also have enhanced product delivery capabilities. This benefit helps end users get more from each wipe, offering a real sense of value to end-users. For example, a medical wipe treated with cellulose esters can better transfer a sterilizing cleaner from the wipe to a surface. Less of the cleaner stays in the wipe and more is transferred to a surface, actually improving the ability of a single surface wipe to do its job.

    Imagine how important that benefit is in a hospital setting where patient safety is paramount. Similarly, facial wipes treated with cellulose esters can ensure that more of the skincare product reaches a consumer�s skin in each wipe, reducing product waste.

    Advancements in bicomponent fiber technologies can further extend the benefits of nonwoven substrates. The latest in these technologies actually increases the surface area of the unique fibers in a nonwoven, enabling a household wipe, for example, to pick up more dust in a single wipe. That is a powerful selling tool in the competitive market for household cleaning goods.



    Think in Terms of Layers
    The use of multilayered materials in a single nonwoven item can provide significant moisture management attributes. Such an approach can wick moisture away from the skin in one layer, absorb it in another layer, and, if need be, release moisture into the air though yet a third layer. For example, consumers demand a thin diaper that is dry next to a baby�s skin but also retains moisture to prevent messy leaking. In athletic and active wear, the ability to manage moisture is of critical importance. Athletic socks, head bands, ski wear and running gear can all be enhanced by new nonwoven fabrics that pull perspiration away from the skin and then slowly release that moisture into the air to keep skin dry and comfortable.

    While polymer selection, discussed previously, can help provide these performance attributes, varying the extrusion techniques of nonwovens within one single item can also help. In SMS fabrics, a single layer of material extruded using meltblown (�M�) methods is sandwiched between two spunbond (�S�) layers of material. The spunbond layers provide strength and durability and encase a more fragile, but tighter-woven melt-blown layer. SMS fabrics are ideal for medical and surgical gowns and masks because the spunbond support layer holds the item together and prevents splattering blood from absorbing into the gown or mask, while the meltblown layer, engineered for smaller pore sizes, actually traps viral germs. Such an item might help prevent the spread of viruses in emergency rooms or surgery, freeing up staff to treat patients while reducing the threat of the spread of disease.

    The challenge for raw material suppliers and nonwovens producers is to engineer and combine these materials in the most efficient, cost-effective manner. Today, researchers are actively working on developing extrusion systems that will enable the varying layers of a nonwoven to be produced simultaneously in-line, leading to significant increases in production speed and making these moisture management technologies more affordable.



    Add Value by Combining Multiple Polymer, Adhesive and Film Technologies
    During the past 10 years, the nonwovens industry in North America has gone through considerable consolidation, which has led to the commoditization of many nonwoven goods. Commoditization in the industry has opened the door for inventive producers and brand owners to innovate in order to gain a competitive advantage. Engineered, multilayer composite fabrics can help nonwovens producers and brandowners de-commoditize their product offerings.

    Think of it this way. The addition of each value-added feature to a nonwoven product increases the return on investment in that product. The more value-added features in its nonwovens, the more a company can distinguish its products from the competition, and the more product it will sell.

    For instance, in athletic wear, as discussed earlier in this article, the padding on a baseball cap can be engineered to manage perspiration. In addition, polymer fibers in the padding can be extruded to add acoustical properties that dampen or sharpen sound. Or, a lightweight ski jacket can be made with enhanced insulating properties, while offering absorption properties and remaining breathable. These are serious value-adds to downhill skiers, who may perspire coming down the mountain but otherwise sit cold in wet skiwear riding the ski-lift back up to the summit.

    This philosophy can even be applied to something as simple as a household sponge. You can adhere a rougher, scrubbing side of a sponge to a softer layer extruded for better breatheabililty, then treat the entire sponge with an antimicrobial to prevent food odors from holding in the sponge. The sponge scrubs better and lasts longer.

    With the increasing complexity of needs, the best raw material suppliers continue to work to ensure that their materials are compatible and stable under an array of manufacturing processes and end use applications. They work closely with nonwovens producers and brand owners from product development, manufacturing and assembly to ensure that the materials that are used can be manufactured affordably and efficiently and to enable brand owners to deliver the best performing product possible to the marketplace.


    About the author
    Robb Lovegrove, global business segment manager for Eastman�s nonwovens group, has been working in consumer and industrial marketing for more than 15 years. He works with a team of scientists and material engineers at Eastman, many of whom have more than 35 years of experience serving the nonwovens industry.



    Return to top
    Related Searches
    • nonwoven
    • fibers
    • meltblown
    • diapers
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Wipes
    • Feminine Hygiene
    • Chemicals/Adhesives

    Related Features

    • Feminine Hygiene
      Feminine Hygiene Manufacturers Shift Focus

      Feminine Hygiene Manufacturers Shift Focus

      Growing concerns over the environment and women’s health have led to new product formats
      Karen McIntyre, Editor 11.08.19

    • Industrial/Institutional | Wipes
      Industrial Wipes Report

      Industrial Wipes Report

      The shift from rags and towels to nonwoven wipers continues
      Tara Olivo, Associate Editor 10.11.19

    • Machinery and Equipment | Wipes
      nextLevel Wipes from Wet-laid/Spunlaced Nonwovens

      nextLevel Wipes from Wet-laid/Spunlaced Nonwovens

      Truetzschler, Voith collaboration targets flushability
      09.20.19


    • Wipes
      Alternative Phenoxyethanol-free Solutions for Wet Wipes Preservation

      Alternative Phenoxyethanol-free Solutions for Wet Wipes Preservation

      The microbial quality and safety of wet wipes is of paramount importance for wet wipes producers to succeed in delivering innovative solutions with outstanding performance and integrity to consumers. Given the challenges formulators face with the cur…
      Karen Winkowski, Ph.D, Ashland Global Director, Preservatives & Biomaterials 09.20.19

    • Wipes

      Online Marketing for Nonwovens Wipes Grows

      Partners can help get products into consumers’ hands
      Susan Stansbury, Contributor 09.20.19

    • Green/Sustainability | Wipes
      Sustainable Solutions for Wipes

      Sustainable Solutions for Wipes

      As the world continues to frown on plastics, everyone in the wipes industry supply chain is looking for alternative solutions
      Karen Bitz-McIntyre, Editor 09.20.19


    • Wipes
      Women Shake Up Nonwovens Niches

      Women Shake Up Nonwovens Niches

      female entrepreneurs use life experience to gauge consumer need
      Susan Stansbury, Contributor 09.20.19

    • Chemicals/Adhesives
      Focus On: Raw Materials

      Focus On: Raw Materials

      A round up of innovations in polymers, treatments, additives and more
      06.05.19

    • Fibers

      Natural Fibers Take the Lead in Nonwovens

      The sustainability story continues to be strong in baby diapers and feminine hygiene products
      Karen McIntyre, Editor 06.05.19


    • Feminine Hygiene

      Hygiene Consumers Demand Greater Transparency

      BAHP is monitoring trends impacting U.S. baby and fem care markets
      Jane Wishneff, Executive Director, BAHP 06.05.19

    • Spunlace | Wipes
      Spunlace Market Update

      Spunlace Market Update

      Opportunities continue both in the wipes market and beyond
      Karen McIntyre, Editor 04.05.19

    • Adult Incontinence
      Adult Incontinence: A Thriving Market

      Adult Incontinence: A Thriving Market

      New innovations continue to emerge in this growing hygiene category.
      Tara Olivo, Associate Editor 03.15.19

    • Adult Incontinence
      Improving the Quality of Life for Skilled Nursing Residents Through Remote Sensing of Incontinence E

      Improving the Quality of Life for Skilled Nursing Residents Through Remote Sensing of Incontinence E

      Wearable sensor technology helps long-term caregivers manage incontinent patients.
      03.15.19

    • Adult Incontinence | Diaper, Baby | Feminine Hygiene

      Unicharm Acquires Thai Diaper Maker

      Deal to buy DSGCL Group adds lower-priced brands in Southeast Asia.
      Karen Bitz-McIntyre, Editor 03.04.19

    • Wipes
      Personal Care Wipes: Innovation Continues

      Personal Care Wipes: Innovation Continues

      New wipes are emerging in this growing market.
      Tara Olivo, Associate Editor 02.08.19

    Breaking News
    • DuPont to Acquire Osmosis Specialist
    • Nice-Pak to Expand in Indiana
    • Hospeco Launches Compact Fem Hy Dispenser
    • Simavita Set to License Sensor Technology in EU
    • NDC Appoints President
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November 2019

    • Airlaid Market Report
    • Nonwovens in Filtration
    • WHO’S WHO IN SAN PRO MACHINERY
    • Feminine Hygiene Brand Owners Directory
    • Feminine Hygiene Manufacturers Shift Focus
    • View More >



    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Deerland Obtains Certification from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration
    OptiMSM Shown to Improve Hair & Nail Appearance and Condition
    DCC Acquires Contract Manufacturer Ion Laboratories
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Arkema: Bostik Acquires Danish Company LIP
    Axalta Adds New Epoxy Primer to Tufcote Liquid Industrial Coatings Portfolio
    Chromaflo Technologies Promotes Sergio Duenas to Country Manager of Mexico
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    MedStar Health and Cleveland Clinic Innovations Awarded Grant
    3M to Sell Drug Delivery Business for $650M
    First U.S. Patient Implanted With Axonics' Sacral Neuromodulation System
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Arctoris Opens Oxford R&D Facility
    Almac Group, Exostar Collaborate on IRT Experience
    Northwest Biotherapeutics Expands Management Team
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Time Features 5 Best Beauty Inventions
    CES 2020 Preview - Innovation Award Honorees in Health & Wellness
    Prada & L’Oréal Sign Long-Term Licensing Deal
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Treasuring Textured Hair
    Pacifica 'Drops' Skin Care Into Ingestible
    Skinnygirl Expands Into Supplements
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Ripon Printers Adds Ricoh Pro C9210
    Canon Solutions America Powers University of Notre Dame Athletics' Printing Capabilities
    Worldwide Large Format Printer Shipments Down Slightly in 3Q 2019: IDC
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    GSE products provide quality assurance for Pharmalabel
    Luminer promotes Heather Bookman to prepress manager
    Materials Exchange launches to solve excess inventory issue
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    DuPont to Acquire Osmosis Specialist
    Nice-Pak to Expand in Indiana
    Hospeco Launches Compact Fem Hy Dispenser
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Europe, North America Comprise More Than 80 Percent of Global Bone Marrow Transplantation Demand
    TriMed Closes Out FDA Warning Letter
    FDA OKs Shoulder Innovations' Augmented Glenoids for Total Shoulder System
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    3D Printing Materials Market to Grow at 23.9% CAGR Through 2025: GVR
    Kyocera, TactoTek Collaborate on Injection Molded Structural Electronics Solutions
    Toray Opens R&D Innovation Center for the Future

    Copyright © 2019 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.