#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2021-02-11

Successful start-up of Papel Aralar’s PM 5 for sustainable wet wipes

Aralar site in Amezketa, Spain © 2021 Truetzschler

Voith and the nonwoven fabric expert Truetzschler Nonwovens have delivered a new system for specialty paper production to the Spanish paper factory Papel Aralar. In December, the PM 5 successfully started up and is now stably producing adult and baby wet wipes that are completely plastic-free, flushable and biodegradable, a characteristic that conventional wet wipes do not have. With the recent investment, Aralar now has two WLS lines with a total production capacity of 45,000 tons/year.

“The successful start-up of PM 5 is an important step forward in our company’s sustainability strategy,” says Senén Amunarriz, CEO of Papel Aralar. “And it is Voith’s innovative papermaking solutions and know-how that are contributing to this success. Our decision to invest in this state-of-the-art new production line was driven by the forecast growth in demand for biodegradable substrates for wet wipe production.”

“We are happy and proud to partner with Papel Aralar and to provide them, together with Truetzschler, with our efficient and sustainable papermaking technologies,” says Marcos Garcia de la Torre, Managing Director Voith Paper Spain. “Thanks to the Aralar-Truetzschler-Voith team and the close collaboration we were able to carry out a smooth and timely start-up.”.

HydroFormer and AquaJet for high-performance Wet-Laid Spunlacing

As a full-line supplier, Voith supplied the BlueLine stock preparation, the main components of the XcelLine paper machine and a comprehensive automation and control package from one single source. The HydroFormer, which is one of the main components of the new system, draws on Voith’s extensive experience in the papermaking and pulp industries.

With this technology, the suspension is heavily diluted to produce nonwoven materials made completely of cellulose, a renewable resource. Besides the HydroFormer, Voith has supplied the BlueLine stock preparation, a master reel, and the wet end process for the new system.

Truetzschler Nonwovens completes the production line with the well-proven AquaJet in an innovative configuration for hydroentangling (spunlacing) and an energy-efficient multi-drum dryer. The many years of expertise and experience of the Truetzschler company form the basis of the web bonding and drying components that have been adapted to the needs of the wet-laid process.

Energy efficiency in spunlacing

Drying is an important step for producing high-quality nonwoven products. But evaporating moisture at rapid speed is very energy intensive. That’s why their innovators created the Modular Performance Dryer (MPD). It delivers excellent performance and reduces energy consumption when drying cotton, viscose and pulp nonwovens. Its compact design saves floor space – and the MPD even fits into existing lines! The first successful installation of this flexible and future-proof solution is now cutting costs and supporting sustainability for their longstanding customer, Lentex.

Redefining nonwovens carding with the X-Series

Nonwoven textile producers are getting squeezed by two powerful forces. On one side, costs for energy and fibers are rising. On the other, customers demand increasing levels of quality, flexibility and sustainability. Two next-generation nonwoven cards from Trützschler are now easing that pressure – by improving performance, boosting resource-efficiency and giving nonwovens the X-factor!

T-SUPREMA: Live Demonstration of versatility

Nonwovens producers looking for solutions for extremely versatile nonwovens for many applications will find them in the T-SUPREMA needling lines. At Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany in April, the Trützschler Nonwovens team demonstrated the performance of T-SUPREMA live at customer events. Customers were impressed by the flexibility of the needle-punching line.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

Happy Holidays!

Dear reader, the year 2025 is drawing to a close. We are entering what we hope will be a peaceful holiday season, spending time with our families and taking a moment to pause and reflect. We hope we have been able to support you once again this year with relevant news and articles, and we look forward to surprising you with many innovations in the coming year. Enjoy the festive season, stay healthy, and we wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

As the global market leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is a key supplier of interior and exterior components for the highly anticipated Polestar 5 model. The successful collaboration between Autoneum and Polestar marks a significant milestone in sustainable automotive engineering: the electric grand tourer sports car features several innovations in lightweight, fully recyclable polyester-based components that ensure a superior driving experience. Polestar 5 was revealed at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is available in 24 markets.