These days, it seems all anyone is talking about is sustainability. From the raw material to the production process to usage to disposal, companies are trying to figure out how their nonwovens-based products, especially the ones that are only going to be used once, can be green.

This is being motivated by several factors, not least of which is the European Union’s Single Use Plastics Directive, which became effective roughly one year ago and has changed the way many single-use plastic-based products can be labeled, sold and disposed of in the European Union.

The list of products that are initially being spotlighted under this directive is extensive and does include a number of nonwovens-based products, most notably wipes, which has led to some significant formulation changes in disposable wipes.

In this month’s feature, Household Wipes Market: Sustainability in Focus, associate editor Tara Olivo talks to manufacturers of substrate material and wipes to find out how they are changing their product lines to accommodate this legislation (see page 30).

Meanwhile, consumer sentiment is also affecting the way many look at consumer products which is also paving the way for ingredient changes and the emergence of a number of “natural” focused brands both in wipes, feminine hygiene and the baby diaper market. Natural femcare is poised to grow 40% per year compared to 4% for the overall market, according research obtained by natural brand Cora. This has not only expanded the use of natural-based fibers in hygiene products but has created a greater variety of materials like hemp and bamboo in addition to traditional fibers like cotton and viscose. For more on the natural hygiene market, see page 22.

Amidst these changes, however, plastic-based raw materials like polypropylene and polyester continue to play a strong role in nonwovens, and manufacturers and suppliers of these products are innovating and creating some very interesting bio-based products capable of biodegrading or being recycled to keep more products out of landfills. As one producer said, today’s solutions are working but more will definitely be needed.

As always, we appreciate your comments.


Karen McIntyre
Editor
[email protected]