The movement toward non-plastic materials in some nonwoven products was on full display at this year’s INDEX exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland. Throughout the nonwovens supply chain, companies are focusing on using less plastic in their products.

This is particularly evident in hygiene and other disposable products which have been under fire thanks to legislative efforts such as the European Union’s Single Use Plastics (EUSUP) directives and similar measures in several U.S. states as well as Canada. Parallel to these measures is growing sentiment from both retailers and consumers that products containing plastic can be harmful not just to the environment but to people’s health.

Those of us involved in nonwovens realize that our contribution to the global plastics problem has been overstated and other industries like food and beverage packaging and apparel contribute far more plastic waste than items like diapers or wipes. Furthermore, many disposable nonwoven products provide a health benefit that far outweighs their harm.

However, the growing ire against plastic-based, single-use products has forced hygiene companies to reexamine how they manufacture and market their products, an effort that has required a balance between performance and price that has been difficult to achieve.

Last month, at INDEX, more than a few companies seem to think they have found that balance. Together with partners Kelheim Fibres and Sandler, PelzGroup has developed a plastic-free pantyliner that meets EUSUP directive guidelines. If all goes well, the product’s launch later this year will be followed with a slate of plastic-free hygiene products that will be sold both in the branded and private label markets. Likewise, Sparkle, an Indian manufacturer, who received an INDEX Award for its innovation surrounding plastic alternatives, has partnered with India’s Birla Group and Ginni Filaments to develop a plastic-free product. Like Pelz, Sparkle plans to expand this technology into other hygiene categories in the near term.

These two introductions are just a few of several new product formats touting alternative raw materials in response to demand for plastic-free products. Time will tell if they—or products like them—are able to find the right balance between price and performance to be successful in the market.

As always, we appreciate your comments.


Karen McIntyre
Editor
[email protected]