Beaulieu Fibres International, one of Europe’s leading polyolefin and BICO fibre suppliers, introduced their new and improved solutions at the INDEX20 held in Geneva between 19-22 October. In addition to the optimized Meralux and Meraspring BICO PET hygiene fibres, visitors had the opportunity to closely experience the industrial fibre UltraBond, which was awarded for their sustainable contribution to 100% recyclable nonwovens and Pilot Line. The company’s fibre innovation for sustainable design helps customers improve nonwoven performance.
Beaulieu Fibres International General Manager Maria Teresa Tomaselli said; “We are thrilled to be ‘back on the ground’ after the challenges of the pandemic, to reconnect with all of our stakeholders and to keep pushing the boundaries of performance, sustainability and efficiency with our next-generation fibre technology”. Tomaselli stated that their solutions provide innovation for nonwoven manufacturers and are driving new, environmentally friendly product designs. The company’s 3 plants have been granted a first Sustainable Business Charter 2021 this year, while Belgian sites started running with 100% green electricity from July 2, and further decarbonisation paths have also been identified for the company.
Beaulieu Fibres International provides an advantage in sustainability
Meralux speciality fibre, one of the solutions at the Beaulieu Fibres International booth at the fair, has performance and sustainability features suitable for nonwoven converters serving the hygiene segment. Optimized fibre opacity improvements (reduction of TiO2 for the same opacity levels) offer higher coverage, higher bulkiness and improved liquid management. In addition, Meralux fibres provide significant sustainability benefits, including about 55% savings in raw materials, with equivalent carbon emission savings, thanks to weight reduction in nonwovens for the same coverage, and higher recyclability of PP/PE.
Meraspring combines softness and quality
Responding to the market trend for increased comfort, Meraspring BICO PET fibres are among the latest additions to the company’s hygiene fibre portfolio. Meraspring enables nonwovens to combine softness and quality that provides a cushioned, even “well-being” experience for end-users of applications such as diapers and fem-pads. The fibres are available in the range of 1.7-8.9 dtex with hydrophilic, hydrophobic and wellbeing finishes depending on the properties required in the final product.
In the industrial fibres segment, UltraBond thermal binder fibre, recipient of the INDEX™20 Nonwovens Award in the ‘sustainable raw material’ category, was presented to the visitors at the fair. The EDANA jury, the leading global association of nonwovens and related industries, chose this fibre for its sustainable contribution to 100% recyclable nonwovens.
High flexibility in sample production
Visitors had the opportunity to experience Beaulieu Fibres International’s new range of MONO low count and BICO fibres, setting new performance standards for the fast-growing air and liquid filtration markets as well as the company’s Pilot Line. Beaulieu Fibres International’s Pilot Line offers the utmost flexibility to produce samples, without the typical constraints imposed by industrial production lines, replicating any type of staple fibre spinning technology using different types of polymers and additives and different types of cross-sections.