Through a new joint venture, nonwovens producer Fibertex is offering personal care manufacturers the ability to use nonwovens directly printed with images and other prints. The new technology—developed by a new Germany-based company Innowo Print—will make it possible to give nonwoven materials for applications in products such as diapers and femcare products a new and smart look which is expected to be in strong demand in the future battle for consumer attention, according to executives.
    
“It is incredibly important for Fibertex to be able to demonstrate that we can always provide new solutions to our customers, both in terms of product development and technology. Direct printing on nonwovens will initially be a niche area but it helps differentiate Fibertex in the market,” said Mikael Staal Axelsen, general manager of Fibertex’s personal care division.
   
Innowo Print is owned by Fibertex and two  businessmen Lars Christiansen and Carsten Pedersen. Both Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Pedersen have considerable experience from the printing sector, and it is the combination of their printing knowledge and Fibertex’s know-how on nonwoven products that has paved the way for the establishment of Innowo which Mr. Pedersen will be heading.
The company will be located in new buildings and will from the start have state-of-the-art printing facilities. Commercial production is scheduled to commence in June 2008.