Lenzing launches Tencel Skin

Lenzing has launched Tencel Skin, the first product made of Tencel that is designed for moisturizing face masks in the beauty market. Tencel Skin is natural, biodegradable and compostable. The cellulose fibers featuring a high purity level are made from renewable raw wood materials, which are sourced from responsibly managed forests. The unique nano-fibril structure of Tencel Skin provides optimum compatibility with lotion, the company says.

The use of face masks is well established in Asia, where the beauty market is booming more than anywhere else in the world. These types of products are spreading globally with consumers in the U.S. and Europe realizing benefits. Top international brands are developing extensive product portfolios featuring advanced skin care products. According to Lenzing, the key to any face mask application is the mask substrate, which is why the company has launched Tencel Skin. “We are constantly seeking exciting new end uses for our sustainable fibers, as well as developing new fiber types,” says Wolfgang Plasser, vice president and general manager, Business Unit Nonwovens. “Lenzing, as a leader in fiber innovation, makes considerable investments each year in research and development.”

Nanliu opening 6.2-meter wide spunlace line in China

Nanliu Enterprises announced at ANEX that it is opening a 6.2-meter wide spunlace line at its facilities in Pinghu, China, near Shanghai. According to the company, the line will be the largest/widest spunlace machine in the world. Production is expected to begin the third quarter of 2013.The company also plans  to become a publicly traded company by early next year.

The main objective of the new line, which accompanies an existing 4.5-meter spunlace line in Pinghu, is to meet growing demand in Asia.

Osprey opens Asian sales office in Singapore

Osprey Corporation has announced the opening of an Asian sales and technical innovation office in Singapore. To manage the new office, Osprey has appointed Martin Scaife, who was previously responsible for developing many upstream innovation projects within Procter & Gamble. His responsibilities will be to develop next generation filtration, trim and recycling systems and take charge of their direct technical sales efforts in the Asia region.

The new office will offer an enhanced support base for existing and new customers within Asia, according to the company.

KNH gears up for additional production in Asia

Taiwan-based KNH Enterprise announced that its two new spunlace lines in Taiwan will be ready for commercial production in the third quarter of this year. The company has also just begun commercial production at its facility in Chengdu, China. New capacity from these lines puts KNH in good position to meet growing demand for nonwovens in Asia, says Kevin Chen, assistant vice president, Hygiene Products and International Operations.

“The current situation in Asia is that wipes are the driving force. While major consumption is coming from China, we are looking to expand in Southeast Asia.” He went on to say that Indonesia in particular has a large population poised to pursue more hygiene products.