Aquapak Polymers Ltd, which specializes in polymer-based material technologies which deliver both performance and environmental responsibility at scale, has announced the appointment of leading U.S. nonwoven industry expert, Dr. Kyra Dorsey, to its Advisory Board, which comprises business leaders and experts in material science and the environment. Her appointment is an extension of Aquapak’s market development strategy with a specific focus on tapping into the growing global demand from end use industries such as hygiene and healthcare, thanks to the versatility and cost-effectiveness of nonwoven material.

Dorsey will support Aquapak in bringing its innovative Hydropol technology to full-scale commercialization in the nonwoven sector using her extensive development experience in spunmelt, composite, carded, wetlaid and chemical applications. Hydropol is a highly functional, specialty environmental polymer that allows product design to support the circular economy – by enabling recycling and delivering multiple end-of-life options. It is designed to be an alternative to traditional plastics, offering their versatility and functionality but without harming the environment.

Dorsey has over two decades of experience developing products for a variety of markets and application end uses such as wipes, hygiene, medical, industrial and specialty, and food and beverage. She has a doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.  Her nonwoven journey began at GA Tech with a thesis on fiber formation in meltblowing. She has recently founded Glory Group LLC, a nonwoven consulting firm to serve the nonwoven industry, having spent 11 years at Suominen Nonwovens in both commercial and technical leadership roles and, prior to that she was at Ahlstrom for six years.

Mark Lapping, chief executive officer, Aquapak, says: “The market opportunity for Hydropol technology is huge and Kyra brings nonwoven experience which is second to none. Her technical knowledge and understanding of the nonwoven sector will help us identify opportunities for Hydropol as manufacturers look for new, sustainable ways to produce products such as flushable wipes for personal care and household use, which offer all the functionality without the environmental impact.”

“Hydropol is a very exciting proposition which has the potential to transform the use of conventional plastics in the nonwovens market,” says Dorsey. “It is of great value to the innovative brands who are ready to do things differently and for consumers who are keen to recycle more.”

Aquapak has successfully developed and commercialised Hydropol, which is soluble, non-toxic and marine safe. Products made with Hydropol are safe for existing recycling processes and are fully biodegradable, leaving no trace or plastic pollution should they enter the environment. As an enabling technology, Hydropol can be used on its own or in combination with other materials to enhance recyclability, compostability and end-of-life options. Its material properties allow for scalability into diverse types of products and its solubility makes it easy to separate from other materials when recycling.