Super absorbent fiber manufacturer Technical Absorbents Ltd (TAL) has recently invested in a needlefelt line at its facility in Grimsby, U.K. The SAF producing company has been involved in the production of SAF-containing roll goods for a number of years but has previously worked with a number of global partners to make nonwovens. These relationships will continue, but the new line will provide TAL with greater flexibility and product development opportunities.

The line can produce fabrics up to two meters wide in basis weights from 130 to 1000gsm, containing as much as 80% SAF. To help protect the fiber during processing, the line will be housed in a low-humidity environment.

“Initially the line will be used for research and development and for making commercial products,” says product development director Mark Paterson. “We are also willing to undertake short-order trial runs for potential customers where possible.

“The choice of needlefelt compared with the other nonwovens technologies, was based on a number of factors,” continues Peterson. “The key growth areas for us are the medical and filtration markets and the new line is a good fit for this. As a company, we have now established our own needlefelt expertise and can call on advice from our partners as and when required. We will also continue to supply airlaid fabrics and other converted products as normal.”

TAL has regularly invested in increasing the fiber-manufacturing capacity since it began production in 1993. However, the latest investment in its own nonwovens line is the most recent indication of the company’s ongoing commitment to the supply of a growing portfolio of superabsorbent product solutions.