Nonwovens Industry Moves Sustainability Forward

Ahlstrom Introduces a New Dual-Layer Filtration Technology for Longer Lifetime and Reduced Size of Air Intake Filters

The quality of air intake is a substantial factor in the overall performance of today’s engines. An efficient air intake filtration supports optimal operation, preventing particulate contaminants from entering the engine while optimizing fuel consumption and reducing engine wear. In this context, a longer filter lifetime is a key benefit as it ensures continuous removal of contaminants while extending service intervals and minimizing environmental impact.

Ahlstrom introduces a new dual-layer filter media technology, available globally, that represents a leap forward in filtration and is a perfect solution to comply with future market needs. The dual-layer design offers up to double dust holding capacity compared to the single-layer design, as each layer serves a distinct purpose to optimize the overall retention of particles in the depth of the material.

In automotive engine air intake applications, the technology has proven to extend by over 50% the filter lifetime in the same configuration. It also offers the possibility to reduce both size and weight of the filter element in vehicles where these parameters are important.

Dual-layer filter materials are designed to comply with current and future engine air intake specifications, including fuel cells. The media can be customized with flame retardancy properties to increase safety in use without compromising performance. The technology is highly adaptable and can be extended to filter air and liquid in many other transportation and industrial applications.

“Leveraging our advanced manufacturing processes and know-how, Ahlstrom’s dual-layer filter media are setting new standards for filtration performance on the market,” says Tamara Quatrano, VP of R&D and Product Development for the Filtration division. “They can be adapted to different environments, and they not only purify and protect but also contribute to a more sustainable future,” she continues.

For more information, please contact Tamara Quatrano, Vice President, R&D and Product Development, Filtration, tamara.quatrano@ahlstrom.com.

Americhem Introduces nShield® for Textiles and Synthetic Fibers

Americhem, Inc., a global leader in innovative polymer solutions, is advancing its global sustainability campaign with the launch of nShield ®, a natural antimicrobial and odor control treatment for textiles and other synthetic fibers. nShield® is formulated as an antimicrobial masterbatch containing a plant-based, renewable-sourced solution. Delivered in pellet form, it is specially designed for synthetic fiber applications such as textiles, carpets, and nonwovens. The masterbatch incorporates natural essential oil into a carrier system, ensuring protection able alternative to the harsh chemicals traditionally used in textiles. This substitution not only enhances ingredient sustainability but also preserves fabric longevity while reducing environmental impact. By unlocking antimicrobial and odor control properties within textiles, Americhem’s peppermint oilbased additive reduces the need for frequent wash cycles, conserving energy and preserving water. nShield® has been proven to inhibit microbial growth and provide longer-lasting odor control for up to 50 washes. of the active substance during heat processing. This novel approach aids fiber manufacturers in establishing a sustainable supply chain, enhancing environmental stewardship, meeting regulatory obligations, and cultivating a more adaptable and intelligent supply network.

The masterbatch is suitable for synthetic fibers such as PET, nylon, and polypropylene. It has successfully passed antibacterial testing standards, including ISO 20743, JIS L 1902, AATCC 100, and GB/T 20994. Moreover, nShield® complies with EPA and BPR regulatory requirements, and its active ingredient (peppermint extract) is fully traceable.

With high thermal stability, excellent dispersion, and ecological friendliness, nShield ® sets new industry benchmarks for performance and sustainability in antimicrobial masterbatches. Its ability to provide superior antimicrobial protection while maintaining environmental integrity makes it a game-changer in the realm of sustainable polymer solutions. By introducing this plant-based innovation, Americhem helps fiber manufacturers optimize their supply chains for sustainability and regulatory compliance while advancing environmental stewardship.

Peppermint oil, a key ingredient in nShield®, provides a natural, renewable, and sustain-

The addition of nShield ® to Americhem’s product portfolio demonstrates the company’s commitment to driving sustainable innovation in polymer solutions. Their continued efforts aim to establish a more resilient and intelligent supply network, enhancing adaptability to shifting consumer demands and regulatory landscapes.

Please contact Robert Baldy, Business Director Fibers and Packaging at rbaldy@ americhem.com for more information.

ANDRITZ at the Forefront in Sustainable Nonwoven Products and Solutions

When speaking of our environment, climate crisis, environmental pollution and resource scarcity are three of the most urgent challenges of our time. And time is the crucial factor here. To create a better future for our children and grandchildren, we must build a new and greener economy. We at ANDRITZ are doing everything to drive this change: We enable our customers to make the world a greener place with our sustainable products and solutions. To underline this, we have just recently announced our “FOR THE CHANGE” initiative, which combines sustainable technologies and solutions, making them visible to the market.

One great example is the ANDRITZ nonwoven processes for biodegradable wipes. It includes all technologies available on the market, like AirlaceTM, spunlace, WetlaceTM and WetlaceTM CP, with one goal in mind: reduction and elimination of plastic components, while maintaining the highquality of the desired product properties.

ANDRITZ Textile Recycling Enters a New Era

Textile recycling in Europe is now evolving with a sense of urgency as it becomes clear that the discarding of garments and apparels of clothing represent a major threat to the environment. Governments are now catching up with the threat; in Europe, the latest regulations mean that the whole fashion and clothing industry has to completely rethink how textiles are managed at end-of-life. ANDRITZ has been aware of the situation for some time and has been working on solutions and innovations to counter the challenge. In its latest move, the company has partnered with textile experts in France to launch a major revolution in automated sorting for further recycling into new products.

It is estimated that around 7.5 million tons of textiles are discarded in Europe every year. Currently only 2.2 tons are collected, with the rest going to landfill or incineration. Due to new regulations, the volume of textiles collected is estimated to rise by 4.5 – 7.2 million tons by 2030.

ANDRITZ complete production processes for this kind of wipes can perfectly handle a blend of fibers, such as cellulose, viscose, lyocell, cotton, hemp, bamboo, or linen.

line.

With the latest acquisition of Dan-Web in Denmark, ANDRITZ completes this range with the airlaid/AirlaceTM technology. Airlaid forming can perfectly process short fibers, like wood pulp, which allows to manufacture products with high content of natural raw material including biodegradable and flushable wipes. By combining this with the hydroentanglement technology, plastic fibers and chemical additives can be avoided.

“The new regulations mean that by 2025, all European countries will no longer be able to dispense of clothing by landfill or burning,” says Alexandre Butte, General Manager, ANDRITZ Laroche. “All of these countries will have to have collection systems in place by that time.”

Addressing the Challenges

To address this dramatic upscale of regulations, French startup company, Nouvelles Fibres Textiles, has recently launched a revolutionary new industrial-scale line in Amplepuis (central France). This unique line is designed to speedily and autonomously sort discarded garments by color and composition utilizing the very latest in digital and infrared technology. The entire line has been supplied by ANDRITZ, with infrared technology supplied by French company Pellenc ST, also a partner in the new venture.

Moreover, ANDRITZ also has the expertise to offer the full spectrum of upgrades and retrofits for existing production lines. For instance, spunlace producers can upgrade their lines with a wetlaid or airlaid forming unit to open new business opportunities and achieve greater flexibility in terms of product variants. ANDRITZ advises its customers on the selection of the right technology and the most suitable upgrade according to their process, constraints, and future requirements.

Another market example is the increasing demand for flushable, plastic-free wipes and their technologies. In recent years, the threat of plastic pollution and stricter regulations from governments and industry associations has increased. The ANDRITZ WetlaceTM technology produces a 100% sustainable wipe that precisely meets customer needs and flushability guidelines and supports the strong move away from plastic and synthetic materials.

Added to the sorting of garments, the line will remove non-textile parts of garments including zippers and buttons and start the first stage of tearing. The remaining sorted garments are then sent on for further processing by textile producers for further tearing and on to either spinning for the production of new products, including nonwovens and composite materials.

The goal of Nouvelles Fibres Textiles is to trigger the circular economy at an industrial scale when it comes to the sorting and recycling of textiles in France. The technology used in the new demonstration plant, supplied by the partners, ANDRITZ and Pellenc ST, represents the missing link to the industrialization of textile recycling.

Textile Sorting: A Mammoth Task for All Partners

Although the recycling of textiles is nothing new in the industry, the main challenge has