Spanish paper factory Papel Aralar commissioned Voith and the nonwoven fabric expert Trützschler Nonwovens to deliver a new system for specialty paper production. The PM 5 was developed as a joint project by both companies specifically for the wipes  industry. Delivery is planned for September 2020.

The special sustainable feature of a wetlaid machine ordered is that the adult and baby wet wipes it produces are completely plastic-free, flushable and biodegradable, a characteristic that conventional wet wipes do not have.
 

Voith supplies the HydroFormer, which is one of the main components of the new system. The HydroFormer technology draws on Voith’s extensive experience in the paper making and pulp industries. In this technology, the suspension is heavily diluted to produce nonwoven materials made completely of cellulose, a renewable resource. Besides the HydroFormer, the Heidenheim-based technology company also supplies the stock preparation system, a master reel, and the wet end process for the new system constructed in accordance with the Process Line Package (PLP). A comprehensive automation and control package is also included in the delivery.
 

Trützschler Nonwovens completes the production process with the proven AquaJet technology for spunlacing and a multi-drum dryer. The many years of expertise and experience of the Trützschler company form the basis of the components that have been adapted to the needs of the wet-laid process.