Reifenhäuser Reicofil, a leading provider of complete nonwoven, meltblown and composite lines, will present its innovative approach in the packaging of bulk goods and 3D nonwoven technology at the K 2016 trade fair that will take place in Düsseldorf, in October. These will include the new High Loft processes for the production of premium nonwovens.

The company’s spunbond nonwoven, meltblown and composite lines, designed and manufactured according to changing market demands, are leading in the production of hygiene, medical, technical, barrier and filtration nonwovens of the highest quality. At this year's K, the Reifenhäuser subsidiary presents their latest developments for the market.

“Nonwovens are normally thin and smooth. Our High Loft Spunbond offers unique possibilities for the manufacture of thick, soft nonwovens that have the potential to unlock new areas of application for our customers,” commented Michael Maas, Operations Director Research & Development, Reicofil.

Soft nonwoven products

One of the main topics in the hygiene market today is a strong demand for bulky and soft nonwovens. It is an Asian-driven trend with influence on the European and US diaper markets, the manufacturer reports. These soft touch applications play an increasingly important role, especially in top sheet and back sheet applications, where mid-segment product ranges are being gradually squeezed out of the market by premium products.

“In the future, our customers will have to offer soft nonwoven products all over the world. It is critical to their businesses to adopt developments early and to be innovative. We already started years ago to develop the technology basis for softer products. Today we are able to offer various solutions for different customer needs,” explained Michael Maas.

High Loft process

High loft Voluminous nonwovens generally consist of self-crimping fibres, the company epxlains. With Reicofil bico technology, filaments of two different raw materials are produced in a side-side structure and are subsequently bonded using hot air or a special embossing calender. According to the manufacturer, the result is a premium nonwoven that can be used as top and backsheet in premium diapers.

“Our technology is reliable and efficient. This is essential. It offers a perfect balance of production costs and product properties," commented Michael Maas. With its High Loft process, Reicofil aims to offer a technology platform for the production of especially bulky and soft nonwovens.

The process for 3D nonwoven production is subject to constant further development in the Reicofil Technology Center, the research and development centre for the production of spunbond nonwovens. In Troisdorf, Reicofil development engineers have three high-tech lines at their disposal to carry out research in close cooperation with customers, institutions and other partners – to technically refine the High Loft process further.

Packaging with nonwovens

Another area of innovation is the packaging of bulk goods, which the company aims to further explore, with its Rethinking Packaging project. So far, the Reicofil team developed solutions for packaging bulk materials with nonwovens.

“We have developed nonwoven cement bag prototypes. They work perfectly. Imagine transferring this solution to packaging all kinds of bulk goods – there is a gigantic potential for nonwovens in the packaging industry,” explained Michael Maas. “Our current development will wipe away paper bags and woven PP bags due to its superior performance per weight and its unbeatable price.”

www.reicofil.com