#INDEX 23

2023-04-16

INDEX 23: Reifenhäuser Reicofil presents new RF5 XHL technology for super soft and perfectly drapeable nonwovens

RF5 XHL is the evolution of the proven RF5 platform, targeted at super soft and drapeable nonwovens for the hygiene industry. © 2023 Reifenhäuser

The leading manufacturer of nonwoven lines Reifenhäuser Reicofil – a business unit of the Reifenhäuser Group – is presenting its new RF5 XHL production platform for the first time at the leading international nonwovens trade fair INDEX 23 in Geneva (booth 1531) from April 18 to 21.

The suffix XHL stands for Extra High Loft. RF5 XHL is the evolution of the proven RF5 technology, targeted at super soft and drapeable nonwovens for the hygiene industry. "Thanks to highly crimped fibers with reduced fiber size, our XHL nonwovens offer a new level of quality with super soft touch for nonwoven products made from them – such as top sheet and back sheet," explains Markus Müller, Vice President Sales & Marketing of the Reifenhäuser Group. "At the same time, we achieve a huge improvement in the carbon footprint of up to 30 percent thanks to reduced resource use."

The RF5 XHL technology relies on the specially patented BiCo process. This combines two different raw materials in one fiber in the spunbond process, creating a bimetallic effect and optimally crimping the fiber. This results in a weight reduction of up to 25 percent for fiber sizes at 1.0 denier. At the same time, thickness increases by up to 30 percent compared to state-of- the-art material.

XHL nonwovens offer a new level of quality with a super soft touch for nonwoven products made from them, for example for use in diapers. © 2023 Reifenhäuser

The new RF5 XHL lines are also equipped with particularly energy-efficient components, enabling resource-saving nonwoven production at high line speeds. To reduce production waste to a minimum, all raw materials are made of polypropylene (PP), for simple and efficient inline recycling. In contrast, common mixed-material fabrics made of PP/PE or PET/PE are very difficult to recycle. In addition, to meet the ongoing demand for more sustainable nonwoven products, RF5 lines also process bio-based raw materials on request.

Living Nonwovens: Reifenhäuser Reicofil stands for top-quality nonwovens, versatile applications and innovative production processes for sustainable products. © 2023 Reifenhäuser

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BW Converting expands Southeast Asian presence with new agency partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia

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