• 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
    Face Masks in Asia

    Kingsafe’s Growth Path

    Southeast Asia Nonwoven Capacity and Demand Development

    Coronavirus Impacts ASEAN Countries

    Jofo Focuses on Expansion
    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
    FPInnovations Develops Biodegradable Mask

    Autefa Solutions Offers Fully Automated Line for Protective Mask Production

    Joa Announces Expandable Absorbent Core Wrap Solution

    Principle Business Enterprises Celebrates 60 Years

    Dr. J's Disinfectant Wipes Approved for Distribution in CA
    Nonwovens Insights
    Online Exclusives
    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

    FPInnovations Develops Biodegradable Mask

    Autefa Solutions Offers Fully Automated Line for Protective Mask Production

    Joa Announces Expandable Absorbent Core Wrap Solution

    Principle Business Enterprises Celebrates 60 Years

    Dr. J's Disinfectant Wipes Approved for Distribution in CA
    Air Through Bonding
    Airlaid
    Carded/Carding
    Chemical Bonded
    Composite
    Meltblown
    Needlepunch
    Nanotechnology
    Spunbond
    Spunlace
    Thermal Bonded
    Wetlaid

    Armbrust Expands Product Line Up

    Spotlight on Spunlace

    Wolf Starts Up Meltblown Line

    Armbrust American Adds Meltblown Manufacturing

    Radici Adds Meltblown Line
    China
    Eastern Europe/Russia
    India
    Middle East/North Africa
    North America
    Pacific Rim
    South/Central America
    Turkey
    Western Europe

    Kingsafe’s Growth Path

    Southeast Asia Nonwoven Capacity and Demand Development

    Jofo Focuses on Expansion

    Non-Regulatory Face Mask Standard Approved

    Lotus Teknik to Add Wetlace Line
    Associations
    Contracts / Awards
    Education
    Facilities / Capacity
    Green / Sustainability
    Legal / Regulatory
    Market Data
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Product Improvement / Innovation
    R&D/Basic Research
    Shows / Events

    Joa Announces Expandable Absorbent Core Wrap Solution

    Non-Regulatory Face Mask Standard Approved

    Techtextil to be Held in June 2022

    Armbrust American Adds Meltblown Manufacturing

    Techtextil, Texprocess Postponed to 2022
    Chart
    Companies
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Alliance Machine and Engraving

    Investkonsult Sweden AB

    Cellulose Solutions LLC.

    Top Polymer Enterprise, LLC

    Fagus GreCon, Inc
    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

    The Good Earth

    Nonwovens are alive and well-and growing in agriculture and landscape end uses

    Sandra Levy, Associate Editor04.12.10
    Imagine these scenarios: A landscaper lays a roll of nonwovens material before planting a garden at your neighborhood shopping mall. Several weeks pass and upon close inspection there is no sign of weed growth.  Meanwhile, a commercial grower is applying a nonwoven material laminated with a copper hydroxide product that will prevent weed roots from growing or establishing themselves.

    These scenarios and others like them are being turned into reality thanks to nonwovens producers who are offering a slew of groundbreaking products for agriculture and landscape applications. What’s unique about some of the products sprouting up is that they are imbued with ecofriendly and sustainable characteristics, a trend that may serve as a bellwether for the future growth of nonwovens in the agriculture sector.    

    Sweet Corn         

    One company offering environmental friendly nonwoven options for agricultural end uses is NatureWorks. The company makes Ingeo PLA resin, derived from corn, for a more eco-friendly polymer option. According to Robert Green, NatureWorks’ Americas director of fibers for nonwovens, “The unique characteristic of our material is that it is made from corn sugar so it’s an annually renewable plant-based raw material that’s replacing conventional plastics like polypropylenes and polyesters which come from petroleum-based sources. It gives you a bio-based raw material source so you have more stable pricing over time that is not as subject to fluctuating oil prices. It’s more environmentally friendly in that fewer greenhouse gases are produced from the manufacturing of the product—compared to polyesters about 60% fewer greenhouse gases are generated and less energy is required,” said Mr. Green.

    One company applying PLA to agriculture is Easy Gardener. The company’s Weed Block Natural, a PLA/polypropylene bicomponent product is being used in weed control fabrics.  Another company, DS Fibers, manufactures Hortaflex, a weed block fabric that uses Ingeo for mulch and barrier fleeces (preventing weeds from growing). Hortaflex is sold in Europe.
    Companies are also using NatureWorks’ material in blends in some agricultural film applications such as mulch films for preventing weed growth and retaining heat in the soil.
    Pointing out that he expects growth in the agriculture market, Mr. Green said he represents NatureWorks in  The Sustainable Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), a group that includes farmers, academia and other advisers who are exploring the use of nonwovens in agricultural applicators.

    “There’s interest in using bio-based materials. If you can use materials that can be tilled back into the soil or disposed of more easily than petrochemically derived products, you reduce the burdens on the farmers.”

    This is because conventional materials such as polyester or polypropylene have to be removed from the fields and farmers have to pay to get those products landfilled or disposed of. Renewable materials which are compostable, can offer a solution, by providing opportunities for the material to be degraded and tilled back into the soil or removed and composted.

    Weed Blockers and Crop Covers

    Freudenberg Nonwovens is another company on a tear in the agriculture market. At its Durham, NC plant, the company is expanding its 20-year-old Lutradur spunbond polyester nonwovens line with the launch of Lutradur Eco.  

    “In the last year we extended Lutradur to include recycled material content. The company offers Lutradur Eco Post Industrial Recycle (PIR) and Lutradur Eco Post Consumer Recycle (PCR) for landscape weed block. With PIR we buy industrial material, which we reprocess to produce a weed block nonwoven fabric. We are the only company selling 100% polyester spunbond, which provides 100% recyclability. The new product uses post consumer recycled from bottles. The good thing is that this prevents millions of bottles from going to the landfills,” said Oscar Fontalvo, Freudenberg Nonwovens’ business segment manager.

    Emphasizing that customers can claim LEED points using Freudenberg’s offering, Mr. Fontalvo said,“Freudenberg is very committed to sustainable development. This is something that Freudenberg started years ago and Durham’s management decided to invest heavily in technology that allows us to be at this stage right now. They were visionaries and knew this was something that would come and stay.”

    Mr. Fontalvo envisions that the market for weed block will grow as more people come to see the benefits of the fabric. “North America is a strong market. Europe is also growing with the U.K. and Germany leading. Scandinavia is starting to grow. Businesses in those countries will be higher because there aren’t may people using it, but they are going to learn more. Lutradur Eco is available in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe,” said Mr. Fontalvo.

    Freudenberg also offers a line of polypropylene spunbond crop covers under the Lutrasil brand. Produced in Germany, the line includes Lutrasil Pro19, Lutrasil Pro23, Lutrasil Pro30, Lutrasil Pro50 Black, Lutrasil Pro60 and the L-17.  All of these individual crop cover product groups are available in widths exceeding 20 meters. They are also available with reinforced edges to strengthen the crop cover layer especially at the mechanically stressed edges during the handling while the nonwoven is unwound from the roll and laid down on the crop cover field.
    Lutrasil Pro products are available in more than 80 different product versions to meet various crop cover and geographic and climate needs. Special products can be made according to farmers’ needs and are stabilized to withstand UV light for multiple use.

    Copper Wonder

    Another company concentrating on the agriculture market is Canadian-based Texel. The company’s Tex-R process involves coating a nonwoven material with a compound called Spin Out, that is a copper hydroxide product. “When a weed or root comes in contact with it, the copper in the fabric keeps the root from growing or establishing,” said Jim Gideon, U.S. Eastern sales representative for Texel.

    Tex-R is used by commercial growers. “We make a disc called Geo Disc that goes on top of the container for their plants so that they don’t have to go in and hand weed. Anything that comes up won’t grow and anything that falls on top of the pot won’t come up,” said Mr. Gideon.
    The discs, which are made from a needlepunch nonwoven coated with Spin Out fit containers from one to 25 gallons. “Sometimes weeds go in the container and they have to hand weed or put herbicides in. This cuts down on their costs because they don’t have to reapply herbicides or go in and hand weed these pots. It saves them labor and money,”said Mr. Gideon.
    Texel also makes several other products with the copper coating including a barrier product, which is used to keep roots from trees growing into sidewalks and to prevent tree roots at golf courses from going into golf cart paths.

    Texel also makes Tac 150 to prevent weeds from coming up in lakes. “It sinks down to the bottom and keeps any weeds or water lilies from coming up into the lake. Homeowners who have lakeside properties can use it or it can be used commercially. We offer it to the golf industry. It’s a breathable nonwoven that allows air and gases to come up through it but it doesn’t allow weeds to grow,” said Mr. Gideon.

    Compost

    Yet another offering from Texel is Compost Tex, a compost cover that is for commercial use. “A lot of muni­cipalities are now taking their waste and turning it into compost and are using our covers to keep water off of it but let it be able to breathe and let the gases and air come through it,” said Mr. Gideon.

    Texel is also applying its technology to the green roof and green walls industries with its Tex-R fabric. “It is going into buildings where they put a membrane down and grow plants on a rooftop. Most of the bigger cities are putting it in to slow down rain water. We put in a green roof. We use the Tex-R fabric with the copper on it as a root barrier. This filters the water down and it slowly disperses it so you don’t have so much run off.  It’s a place that we think there’s going to be growth in the future. Green walls involves growing plants vertically on walls for decorative purposes and to filter toxins,” said Mr. Gideon.

    For the residential market, Texel offers Soltex winter protection fabric. In addition to protecting grass from damage from winter road salt and sand as well as from dryness due to lack of snow cover, Soltex creates a micro-climate that promotes rapid greening of existing grass. It also allows seeds to be spread in the fall that will germinate under the sheet during the spring thaw.
    Turkish rolls good producer Mogul is also focusing on the agriculture market. The company’s polypropylene spunbond fabrics sold under the Agrimol brand are used for crop covers and mulching. Mogul also offers a multiplex wide width welded crop cover up to 16 meters wide, and Allucoat aluminum coated fabrics for light reflection and protection.

    “Users want economical and long lasting solutions as well as biodegradable and eco-friendly products,” said Serkan Gogus, Mogul’s commercial director.
    Finally, looking to the future Mr. Gogus said he foresees growth in developing countries for nonwovens in agriculture. “It’s a growth market as farmers recently become familiar with such products. The growth of the sector will be in developing countries as consciousness and income levels increase. Government subsidies are critical as farmers want to get more yields from smaller areas, use less pesticides and less water and reduce operating costs. I believe innovative products that can help in these areas will help the growth of usage,” said Mr. Gogus.                                                                               
    Related Searches
    • breathable
    • spunbond
    • u.k.
    • western europe
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Western Europe
    • Fibers
    • Needlepunch

    Related Features

    • Fibers
      Fibers Report

      Fibers Report

      As the nonwovens industry continues to face the challenge of balancing safety and efficacy with sustainability, new fiber and raw material choices will continue
      Karen McIntyre, Editor 06.10.20

    • Needlepunch
      Needlepunch Market Update

      Needlepunch Market Update

      Technology shows strength in a range of durable markets
      Tara Olivo, Associate Editor 04.03.20

    • Meltblown | Spunbond
      Spunmelt Market Report

      Spunmelt Market Report

      Investment has slowed but technological improvements are helping hygiene customers meet their goals
      Karen McIntyre, Editor 03.05.20


    • Fibers
      Co-form Nonwovens Comprising of Cotton Flock Fibers

      Co-form Nonwovens Comprising of Cotton Flock Fibers

      Structures feature soft and pleasant hand, ideal for cosmetic use
      03.05.20

    • Meltblown | Spunbond
      Southeast Asia Nonwoven Capacity and Demand Development

      Southeast Asia Nonwoven Capacity and Demand Development

      Region responds to economic slowdown; nonwovens producers impacted by trade wars
      03.05.20

    • Needlepunch
      Needlepunch Market Update

      Needlepunch Market Update

      Versatile technology continues to gain ground in North America and across the globe
      Tara Olivo, Associate Editor 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

    • Western Europe
      Techtextil 2019

      Techtextil 2019

      May 14-17 • Frankfurt, Germany | Special Section
      05.03.19

    • Market Data | Meltblown | Spunbond

      Spunlaid Polypropylene Capacity and Demand Outlook 2018 - 2023

      Industry in recovery mode after a five-year period of expansion.
      David J. Price, Partner, Price Hanna Consultants LLC 02.08.19


    • Meltblown | Spunbond
      Spunmelt Market Report

      Spunmelt Market Report

      New machinery technology, acquisitions and new customer demands are changing things in this nonwovens segment.
      Karen McIntyre, Editor 02.08.19

    • Geotextile/Agrotextile
      The Rise of Industry 4.0 in the Nonwovens Industry

      The Rise of Industry 4.0 in the Nonwovens Industry

      Suppliers are at the forefront of adopting the latest IoT framework in their equipment and machinery.
      Tara Olivo, Associate Editor 08.09.18

    • Geotextile/Agrotextile
      Geotextiles Market Report

      Geotextiles Market Report

      The use of nonwovens in civil engineering continues to grow across the globe.
      Tara Olivo, Associate Editor 08.09.18


    • Fibers
      Fibers for Nonwovens

      Fibers for Nonwovens

      Sustainable, simplified solutions catch the eye of consumers and producers.
      Karen McIntyre , Editor 06.01.18

    • Needlepunch
      Needlepunch Market Report

      Needlepunch Market Report

      Growth in core markets has led to investments around the world.
      Tara Olivo, Associate Editor 02.02.18

    • Adult Incontinence | Diaper, Baby | Meltblown | Spunbond
      Spunmelt Still Sells

      Spunmelt Still Sells

      Technology remains the clear choice in many applications.
      Karen McIntyre, Editor 02.02.18

    Trending
    • Mann+Hummel Invests In Pamlico Air
    • FPInnovations Develops Biodegradable Mask
    • Joa Announces Expandable Absorbent Core Wrap Solution
    • U.S. Nonwovens Rebrands As Radienz Living
    • Kimberly-Clark Names Chief Research And Development Officer
    Breaking News
    • Arm & Hammer Launches Foot Wipes
    • Kimberly-Clark Names Chief Research and Development Officer
    • FPInnovations Develops Biodegradable Mask
    • Sani Professional Sanitizing and Disinfecting Products Approved by EPA
    • Autefa Solutions Offers Fully Automated Line for Protective Mask Production
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    South East Asia 2021

    • Face Masks in Asia
    • Kingsafe’s Growth Path
    • China Medical Dressing Market Update
    • Southeast Asia Nonwoven Capacity and Demand Development
    • Coronavirus Impacts ASEAN Countries
    • Jofo Focuses on Expansion
    • View More >



    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

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

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Diets High In Fructose Could Cause Immune System Damage
    Nestlé Acquires Premium Water Brand Essentia
    Kaneka Probiotics Announces Launch of L. plantarum DR7
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Sherwin-Williams Announces Resignation of President, COO
    Ashland Completes Expansion, Relocation of Viatel Bioresorbable Polymers Manufacturing Facility
    Evonik Receives Sustainability Award from EcoVadis
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    FDA OKs First OTC Home Molecular COVID-19 Test
    FDA Approves Second Sight's Argus 2s Retinal Prosthesis
    Cross Border Venture Financing Rose in Final Quarter of 2020
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Sharp Appoints EU Qualified Person
    Baxter Biopharma Solutions Enters Sterile Manufacturing Agreement for Novavax’ COVID-19 Vaccine
    Metrics Contract Services Completes Russian Regulatory Inspection
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    It's International Women's Day—But What Does That Mean?
    e.l.f. Cosmetics and Chipotle Collaborate on Burrito-Inspired Makeup Collection
    Weekly Recap: Sephora Expansion, Ulta Partners with Loop, International Women’s Day & More
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Cococare Appoints First Woman President
    Ross Highlights Triple Shaft Mixers
    Arm & Hammer Unveils Foot Wipes
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Capital Printing Invests in 2nd Komori Press
    Arna Marketing Adds Canon’s ProStream, VarioPRINT iX Production Inkjet Presses
    Massilly North America Adds Koenig & Bauer MetalStar 3 Metal Decorating Press
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Xeikon details upcoming Xeikon Café TV seminars
    Resource Label Group acquires New England Label
    UV+EB-cured products rated 'easier to recycle'
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Arm & Hammer Launches Foot Wipes
    Kimberly-Clark Names Chief Research and Development Officer
    FPInnovations Develops Biodegradable Mask
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Australia Clears Conformis' iTotal PS Knee Replacement System
    Colfax Decides to Divide Its Businesses
    Stryker Corp.'s 2020 Sales Slip 3.6 Percent
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Smart Glass Market to Register 6.8% CAGR Between 2021-28: Grand View Research
    Wearable Patch Market to Reach $27.8 Billion by 2027: Allied Market Research

    Copyright © 2021 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.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login