RKW AGRheinische Kunststoffwerke
Horchheimer Str. 50
67547 Worms, Germany
Tel: 49-6241-3001-36 or 37
Fax: 49-6241-3001-38
E-mail:[email protected]
Web: www.rkw-ag.com

The group of companies offers a range of different film and nonwoven products: breathable and non-breathable films, semi-elastic and highly elastic films, textile backsheets and perforated films, thermal bonded staple fibers, spunbonded and carded nonwovens together with complex laminates and composite materials. Printed films round off the product portfolio.

RKW has achieved its internationally leading position in the films and nonwovens sector as a result of continually bringing innovative solutions to its markets. Customer focused product development draws on the natural synergies between the five strategic business units within the RKW group and this, in combination with state-of-the-art technology, is reflected in the company slogan: “Solutions in film ‘n’ fiber”. The ability to combine both film and nonwoven technology has earned RKW its unique position in the market.

RKW offers a wide range of different film and nonwoven products to the hygiene and medical business sectors: breathable and non-breathable films, semi-elastic and highly elastic films, textile backsheets and perforated films, thermal bonded staple fibers, spunbonded and carded nonwovens as well as a whole range of laminates and composites. In- and off-line printing, up to eight colors, provides the finishing touch.

The latest acquisition of RKW is Hydrospun Nonwoven GmbH in Halberstadt, Germany. The new member of the RKW Group currently employs 30 people and in future it will trade under the name RKW Hydrospun GmbH. “By acquiring Hydrospun Nonwoven GmbH, we have expanded our product range to include spunlaced continuous fiber nonwovens and we will therefore be able to develop new areas of application and tap into new markets,” said Roland Roth, vice president of the executive management board of RKW AG, in explaining this strategic step. For more on the Hydrospun acquisition, see Top Of The News on page 12.

The RKW Group is one of the leading European manufacturers of high-quality plastic films and nonwovens made from polyethylene and polypropylene. The company employs more than 2500 people at 18 locations worldwide and achieved a turnover of approximately €637 million in the 2006 business year. With almost 50 years of experience in this field, the name RKW is synonymous with reliability and competence.

RKW’s established customers include household names from all over the world and its films and nonwovens are used in the manufacture of brand-name products for the hygiene and medical sectors.

In the medical and surgical areas, customers use RKW films and laminates in the construction of breathable disposable surgeons’ gowns, as well as a wide range of complex patient drapes for the operating room. To complete the range, the wound management sector is served by innovative films, nonwovens and laminates in a highly specialized and demanding environment.

Looking ahead, RKW will continue to grow and expand its global presence. Tapping into new markets from within the framework of its core areas of expertise, the company expects to enjoy new organic growth that will be supported as always by significant investments in the future, according to executives. Innovation and customer focus point the way forward.