Lenzing
Lab dispersion test for lyocell shortcut fibers by Veocel with standard finish (left) and upgraded finish (right) after 20-minute stirring (Source: Lenzing)
Increasing numbers of consumers are using flushable wipes for greater convenience and lower impact on the environment. With high dispersibility and an upgraded finish, the producer of wood-based specialty fibers, Lenzing, has launched its upgraded lyocell shortcut fibers by Veocel for the flushable market. Flushable wipes which are made of lyocell shortcut fibers by Veocel can disperse and degrade to meet current flushability guidelines as proven by mechanical disintegration and bio-disintegration tests done at Lenzing R&D Center and the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) specifications.
The upgraded finish enhances efficiency of the wipe production process, improves the processability of fibers and helps to create higher quality products. The fibers are also offered as carbon neutral, thus contributing to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
The new finish of the upgraded lyocell shortcut fibers offers protection against mechanical stress at commonly used water temperatures such as 0°C to 40°C during the wetlaid production process. This helps to avoid the creation of fiber lumps during the opening and dilution of fibers in preparation tanks. The finished product will also have enhanced physical quality and appearance thanks to the upgraded finish which improves web formation during the process.
Albaad Massuot Yitzhak Ltd., HaDarom/Israel, a large wet wipe manufacturer, used the new lyocell shortcut fibers for its unique Hydrofine product. Hydrofine, which is considered a breakthrough in the flushable market, is based on these upgraded fibers that help to increase production efficiency, reduce the level of waste and improve customer satisfaction.
In 2022, the global nonwovens wipes market consumed 1.5 million tons nonwovens, valued at US$20.8 billion, and is expected to reach 2.1 million ton, ($29.0 billion) in 2027. As consumers continue to look for products made of natural materials, it is important to distinguish between flushable wipes made of wood-based fibers and wipes made of fossil-based fibers, such as polyester or polypropylene which take decades to disintegrate and contribute to the global micro plastic problem.
The upgraded finish enhances efficiency of the wipe production process, improves the processability of fibers and helps to create higher quality products. The fibers are also offered as carbon neutral, thus contributing to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
The new finish of the upgraded lyocell shortcut fibers offers protection against mechanical stress at commonly used water temperatures such as 0°C to 40°C during the wetlaid production process. This helps to avoid the creation of fiber lumps during the opening and dilution of fibers in preparation tanks. The finished product will also have enhanced physical quality and appearance thanks to the upgraded finish which improves web formation during the process.
Albaad Massuot Yitzhak Ltd., HaDarom/Israel, a large wet wipe manufacturer, used the new lyocell shortcut fibers for its unique Hydrofine product. Hydrofine, which is considered a breakthrough in the flushable market, is based on these upgraded fibers that help to increase production efficiency, reduce the level of waste and improve customer satisfaction.
In 2022, the global nonwovens wipes market consumed 1.5 million tons nonwovens, valued at US$20.8 billion, and is expected to reach 2.1 million ton, ($29.0 billion) in 2027. As consumers continue to look for products made of natural materials, it is important to distinguish between flushable wipes made of wood-based fibers and wipes made of fossil-based fibers, such as polyester or polypropylene which take decades to disintegrate and contribute to the global micro plastic problem.
Veocel = trademark
Hydrofine = registered trademark
