Arvell, the nonwovens technology now being offered by wipes converting line specialist Teknoweb, is starting to gain traction in the marketplace. Earlier this month, Polish wipes maker Harper Hygienics announced it would start manufacturing wipes using Arvell substrates and executives expect more companies to follow suit.
 
Harper Hygienics has used the Arvell technology in wipes sold under the Kindii brand for children and baby care and the Cleanic brand for refreshing and feminine hygiene wipes.
 
According to Carmine Cimini of Teknoweb, Arvell offers wipes converters a lower cost option for backward integrating into nonwovens production. Based on proprietary technology acquired by an Italian company and honed by Teknoweb, Arvell technology has been designed to enable intimate blending of the two types of fibers, which are then assembled into a web by thermocalendering technology. The result is a web that shows unsurpassed performance in terms of absorption through a process that gives manufacturers unlimited options when it comes to raw materials.
 
A completely dry process, Arvell does not require the use of hydroentanglement for bonding and the absence of water, giving it a better sustainability profile. In fact, a recent lifecycle assessment found Arvell to have a carbon impact at least 38% lower than spunlace and to impact 46-87% lower than spunlace in 10 other environmental factors.
 
According to Cimini, Harper Hygienics’ use of the technology is only the beginning and many other wipes converters around the world are examining this technology for use in their products.
 
“There are many reasons why this makes sense for wipes makers to have,” he says. “The environmental factor is one thing. It also allows them to do what they want with their lines. This line is made to be very flexible.”
 
Robert Neyman, president of Harper Hygienics, said that consumers tests of the new line have been met with positive reactions and he is confident htath te unique manufacturing technology will bring a new value proposition to the market.
 
“I believe that the quantum leap which we have made with this project, in conjunction with the clear benefits on the cost side, will contribute to a rapid increase in the scale of Harper’s operations and soon will be clearly and positively reflected in the financial results of the company,” Neymann adds.

Harper Hygienics has been making wet wipes for markets including household cleaning, makeup removal and baby and kids care since 1990; Teknoweb was formed about a decade ago as a maker of wipes converting equipment.