Kelheim Fibres Unveils the Pivotal Role of Fibre Behavior in Tampons and Nonwovens

Kelheim Fibres, a leading manufacturer of specialty viscose fibres, recently unveiled their latest findings at this year’s Cellulose Fibres Conference. Led by Dr. Ingo Bernt, Group Leader of Fibre & Application Development at Kelheim Fibres, and in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Harter from Graz University of Technology, the study provided invaluable insights into the complex relationship between the geometric structure of viscose fibres and their liquid absorption capacity, particularly in the context of tampon applications.

For decades, Kelheim Fibres has been a trusted partner in the tampon industry, supplying specialty fibres pivotal for tampon performance. Modified fibre cross-sections often serve as the cornerstone for the distinctive functionalities of Kelheim’s specialty fibres. A prime illustration is the renowned trilobal Galaxy®, distinguished by its Y-shaped crosssection, boasting up to 30% higher absorption capacity than standard viscose fibres and serving as a flagship product in tampon manufacturing.

The latest research has shed light on the mechanisms governing liquid absorption and retention in tampons. The study compared the efficacy of two commonly used tampon viscose fibre types: round standard fibres and trilobal fibres. Tampons crafted from trilobal Galaxy® fibres demonstrate markedly superior absorption capacity compared to those made from round fibres, with trilobal fibres also providing higher water retention capacity. This could be attributed to the greater specific surface area of trilobal fibres, allowing liquid accumulation along the three legs of the Y-shaped cross-section, alongside their higher fibre porosity relative to round fibres. However, fibre swelling alone cannot entirely account for the augmented tampon absorption, as it contributes only about 11-13% to the total liquid uptake of tampons.

The research findings underscore the pivotal role of fibre behavior within tampons or

NeenahPure™GESSNER’s Sustainable Solutions for Pocket Filters

Our world without pocket filters would be characterized by a sharp deterioration in air quality within industrial settings and surrounding areas. Without these filters, production facilities and industrial areas would be much more contaminated with harmful particles and pollutants, which would not only endanger the health of employees and residents but would also have a serious environmental impact.

In such a scenario, we could expect more frequent and more severe pollution, which would have a negative impact on ecosys - tems, soils, water bodies and air quality. This could lead to a rise in disasters affecting nature and health issues, as people and animals would be exposed to more toxic substances.

Pocket filters are not only a technological innovation but also a significant contribution to the preservation of our planet and sustainable practices.

With NeenahPure,™ you can make a positive impact on our environment. Our meltblown media for pleated and pocket filter applications are covering all efficiencies from ePM10 50% to ePM1 80% as per nonwoven fabrics. Here, the trilobal Galaxy® fosters the formation and sustenance of a more voluminous and expansive network, ensuring a larger volume is accessible for liquid absorption, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the end product.

Dr. Ingo Bernt emphasizes the broader implications of the study results, extending beyond tampon applications. The remarkable absorption capacity of Galaxy ® fibres transcends various absorbent products, offering novel solutions across diverse industries. Particularly amidst the increasing demand sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, this aspect this aspect is highly relevant. It underscores the potential of biobased and biodegradable fibres to substitute numerous synthetic solutions without compromising performance.

ISO 16890 standards, and M5-F9 according to EN779:2012. The combination of fine and coarse fibers ensures high separation efficiencies with low pressure drop and a good dust holding capacity.

Let’s continue to invest together in innovative technologies that help make our environment safer, cleaner & more healthier!

For more information visit NeenahPure™ Bag Filter Media - Enhance Indoor Air Quality at https://www.gessner-filtration.com.

Naia™ from Eastman: Where Fashion & Environmental Responsibility Meet

The textile industry has been increasingly focused on circular materials as a solution to combat the ongoing increase in waste pollution. In a world where fashion is still mostly looked at through the lens of speed, Eastman creates value from hard-to-recycle waste that would otherwise go into landfills, thus investing in sustainable innovation.

A perfect example of this is Naia™ Renew ES, a game changer for the industry: it’s a solution that blends fashion and environmental responsibility, made from 40% certified recycled waste material, 20% certified recycled cellulose and 40% sustainably sourced wood pulp. It is Eastman’s fiber with the most recycled content yet, first launched for a pilot project in collaboration with Patagonia in September 2022.

Early this year at Première Vision Paris, Naia™ announced the launch of Naia™ Renew ES at scale, as the perfect solution for brands that want to enhance their sustainable story. One valuable example is the renowned American brand Reformation, which has presented three gowns featuring Naia™ Renew ES in its latest bridal collection. This goes to show the versatility that this fiber can have in the fashion world, with applications that range from activewear to formal and bridal clothing. “Like silk but better” is the brand promise, which has chosen this yarn as a silk alternative due to its inherent properties – elegant drape, silky soft hand and luxurious luster – with all the benefits of circularity.

The high percentage of the recycled content in Naia™ Renew ES is possible through Eastman’s molecular recycling technology, which breaks down waste into its molecular building blocks. This process produces a fully traceable and biodegradable cellulosic fiber, proven by a series of certifications that highlight the fiber’s biodegradable and compostable nature (such as the TÜV Austria one).

Unlike other cellulose-based yarns and fibers, Naia™ Renew ES requires fewer virgin materials to make an eco-friendly alternative to natural or man-made fibers, ensuring elegance, comfort and high performance without compromising on sustainability. In the words of Carolina Sister Cohn, Global Marketing Leader for Eastman’s textiles division “...we’re proud to offer a 60% recycled content fiber at scale for the fashion market. With Naia™ Renew ES, we offer a sustainable and circular solution that meets the demands of both fashion and environmental responsibility, and we’re making significant strides in transforming the fashion industry and inspiring others to embrace sustainability as a design decision.”

Furthermore, Naia™ Renew ES received GRS certification in December 2023. This certifies the fiber’s recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. Earned after an independent third-party audit, GRS certification provides increased traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, chemical content and labeling. The certification aids in building brand trustworthiness around the world, fostering relationships with more customers and collaborators around the world and strengthening Naia™’s expansion plans.

Eastman’s technologies are driving a revolution in materials – from a linear life cycle that results in waste to a circular life cycle that keeps materials in use, creates sustainable value, and enhances quality of life.

Learn more at www.eastman.com.

Plastic-Free Fibers Address Environmental Concerns for Feminine Care and Personal Hygiene Products

According to WWF1, on the current trajectory, by 2040 global plastic production will double, plastic leakage into oceans will triple, and the total volume of plastic pollution in oceans will quadruple. This surge in plastic production is going well beyond what any country can properly deal with, resulting in a plastic pollution crisis affecting the environment, especially the oceans.

Addressing plastic pollution demands systemic change, government regulations, and individual actions that can help the Earth. With consumers becoming more conscious of their choices, industries are adapting to offer more responsible options.

This shift is happening across industries but not fast enough. Using advancements in research and development, fibers are evolving to provide the consumer with alternative choices and address concerns about plastic waste. The balance is to do this without losing important characteristics of the fiber.

VEOCEL™, the flagship specialty nonwo - vens brand of Lenzing Group, has embraced these changes without compromising on quality or performance. Offering LENZING™ Lyocell Dry fibers to meet the growing need for non-plastic nonwoven products, VEOCEL™ adheres to EU SUPD 2 regulations to deliver high-performance absorbency and comfort. This innovative approach makes it the optimum fiber choice for responsible absorbent personal care and hygiene products.

These fibers feature Lenzing’s unique Dry technology which is high-performing hydrophobicity and has liquid-controlling properties. The fiber retains its softness in both dry and wet environments, as tested by Lenzing.

LENZING™ Lyocell Dry is a cellulosic environment-friendly wood-based alternative to synthetic fibers. Derived from wood, the VEOCEL™ branded lyocell fibers with Dry technology are made using a closed-loop production process with low water consumption, while being biodegradable and compostable3 at end-of-life. The fibers bring the inherent advantages of cellulose to personal care and hygiene products: natural absorbency, liquid distribution, gentle on the skin, naturally smooth and soft, biodegradability, and versatility. Manufacturers have the opportunity to protect the planet without compromising on performance or comfort.

As an industry, it is our responsibility to provide more responsible options and contribute to a better future for the planet and future generations. Let’s come together to set higher standards for industry sustainability and comfort.

1 https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?8607466/WWFban-on-harmful-single-use-plastics-treaty.

2 Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/ eli/dir/2019/904/oj.

3 LENZING™ Lyocell Dry fiber has been certified as biodegradable in soil and compostable under industrial and home conditions.