#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2022-10-24

Reifenhäuser provides trade fair visitors at K 2022 with fully recyclable FFP2 masks free of charge

At K, the world's largest plastics trade show, thousands of visitors come together to learn about the latest innovations - especially on sustainable plastics products. This year, visitors will already encounter one such innovation at the trade show entrance: fully recyclable and climate-friendly FFP2 masks. Reifenhäuser provides the masks for protection against respiratory infections to trade fair visitors free of charge at all entrances.

FFP2 masks have so far caused major problems when it comes to recycling: they are usually made of many different materials, for example functional layers of polypropylene and textile, nose clips made of metal, ear loops made of polyester. As a result, resources are lost to the circular economy, and the carbon footprint is devastating - especially due to the enormous increase in mask consumption caused by the Corona pandemic.

The mask for K 2022, on the other hand, consists of 99.7 percent polypropylene. It is therefore considered a mono-material product and is 100 percent recyclable. In concrete terms, this means that the nose clip is made of 100 percent polypropylene instead of wire. The same applies to the support layer, which is otherwise made of so-called Hot Air Cotton. The ear loops - usually made of PES (75 percent) and elastane (25 percent) - are 85 percent PP and 15 percent Cradle2Cradle certified elastane. The total elastane weight per mask is thus only 0.3 percent. The individual packaging for the FFP2 masks is also made of 100 percent PP and can be recycled together with the masks. The mask was produced by the Grabher Group, a specialist in technical textiles, using a Reifenhäuser meltblown line.

Reducing the carbon footprint

The sustainable FFP2 masks are not only fully recyclable, but also cause significantly less CO2 emissions during their production than conventional protective masks. The entire production process is designed to keep the carbon footprint as low as possible: the masks are manufactured entirely in the EU, avoiding long transport routes. CO2-neutral PP resins based on Borealis Bornewables™, a renewable premium raw material that offers the same material performance as virgin polyolefin but is independent of fossil raw materials, are used for production. The nonwoven is produced with green power on energy-efficient Reifenhäuser line technology. Added up, a recyclable FFP2 mask thus has a CO2 footprint of only 8 grams of CO2 equivalents - that is one tenth of a conventional mask produced in Asia.

Further Reifenhäuser sustainability solutions at K 2022:

Reifenhäuser main booth: Hall 17 / C 22

More information and illustrations on the subject of sustainability

can be found at: www.reifenhauser-sustainability.de

INDEX 2026: Reicofil introduces RF 5.10 upgrade boosting output by 10 percent

At INDEX 2026, Reifenhäuser Reicofil will present its latest developments for the nonwovens industry under the guiding themes “Grow Together”, “Expand Together” and “Transform Together”. On this occasion, the leading manufacturer of nonwoven machinery will be unveiling two brand-new technology advancements – RF 5.10 upgrade and RF Core – at the show.

Reifenhäuser wins German Design Award for new user interface

At K 2025 in Düsseldorf, the Reifenhäuser Group unveiled its new company-wide machine user interface, which offers a uniform design language for blown film, flat film, and nonwoven lines – and stands out for its particularly simple operation. The overall concept impressed not only customers, but also the jury of the German Design Awards, who honored the system with the prestigious design prize during the trade fair.

Reifenhäuser NEXT: Tackling the skills shortage and achieving operational excellence with industrial AI

At K 2025, the Reifenhäuser Group will demonstrate Industrial AI's full potential for productivity in plastics processing. At the heart of the dedicated “Reifenhäuser NEXT” brand is a powerful AI chatbot that enables even inexperienced line operators to quickly solve complex tasks in their daily work, thereby maximizing availability, productivity, and quality.

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.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.