These can be can be detected by metal detectors, Dr Seshadri Ramkumar, a full professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology at Texas Tech University, US, reports.

Karen Mertins, a chemist with ITW Pro Brands, presented the patent pending technology at the recent NET Inc event during the PaperCon conference that took place last month, in Cincinnati, OH.

Patent pending technology

Regular spunbond wipes, caps and gowns that are used in food packaging lines have the possibility of getting mixed with the food packages and products, while used, Dr Ramkumar reports.

However, having these wipes that can be detected by metal detectors that are already in place in food packaging machines can solve the problem and help with reducing health risks and legal issues, according to Karen Mertins.

Bob Martin, Emily Aldridge and Karen Mertins are the three named inventors on the patent pending technology. The technology displays collaborations with polymer technology companies and nonwoven roll goods manufacturer.

Initial trials

Initial trials were conducted at the Social Circle-GA based Standridge Color Corporation. To further develop the product, Karen Mertins’ team collaborated with Fitesa, a nonwoven fabrics manufacturer for the hygiene, medical and industrial markets, to develop the wipes. They used Fitesa’s 1 meter Reicofil spunmelt line at its plant in Peine, Germany.

In talking with the scribe at the event, Mertins advised that they have used 16-micron size stainless steel particles from Eriez Magnetics of Erie, PA, to develop the spunmelt wipes. The inventors are also looking into developing x-ray detectable textile materials.

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