Trevira at Index 2011: Polyester specialties and first PLA fibres for nonwovens

Trevira participates in the most important industry event for nonwoven manufacturers and end users not only with its established polyester specialties for hygiene and technical applications, but also with the first fibre developments made from PLA biopolymer (Ingeo™) which have been added to the company’s product portfolio in the frame of a master license by NatureWorks in 2010.

Trevira fibre production in Bobingen
© photo: Trevira GmbH

Sustainability is an increasinly important issue in all textile applications, also in the nonwoven sector. Polyester has many properties that from the outset make it a material that is compatible with the environment. It is non-toxic, gives off no gases, and is recyclable without difficulty and it can be easily used as fuel to produce energy. It is kind to the skin and suitable for use in the food industry or medical sector. Product certifications like Ökotex Standard 100 are an equally essential element of Trevira’s sustainability concept as the observation of the environmental and quality standards DIN ISO 14001 and DIN ISO 9001. Trevira’s range of ecological products is extended by the new Ingeo™ fibres which meet the needs of manufacturers and end users looking for a biological alternative for conventional fibers.

The range of staple fibres for nonwovens includes:

Bicomponent fibres for thermal bonding, used in hygiene products such as napkins and lady care, as well as in technical nonwovens, e.g. for insulation and filtration materials in the automotive sector.
Special types for hydro-entangled nonwovens. These are not only employed in the manufacture of wet and cosmetic wipes, but also increasingly in technical applications.
Short cut fibres for airlaid and wetlaid applications, e.g. hygiene products or the paper industry. A part of this range is also available as bicomponent fibres.
Flame retardant fibres, e.g. for insulation, filtration and also as filling fibres for bedding.
Customized fibres for special customer applications.

 PLA (Ingeo™) Fibres made from biopolymers
© photo: Trevira GmbH

Fibres made from biopolymers (PLA / Ingeo™):
The biodegradable (compostable) fibres made from renewable plant compounds are currently available in various versions. Trevira has produced first quantities of different fibre types applicable for spunlace, wet laid and carding applications. Possible end uses are wet wipes (e.g. cleaning cloths), hygiene products and technical nonwovens. The new fibres are currently in qualification processes at customers. Trevira envisages variety of applications in the nonwoven sector, mainly for hygiene products. In the near future, the company will also add a bicomponent fibre to its PLA product range.

Source: www.trevira.com