Meraklon launches Ultrasoft

Beaulieu Fibres International has introduced its Meraklon Ultrasoft Trilobal PP fibres at this week’s Techtextil show in Frankfurt, introduced in response to the hygiene sector’s requirements for softness and improved coverage from lightweight nonwovens. 

These trilobal fibres are said to set a new benchmark for extremely soft nonwoven fabrics with a smooth, closed and even surface that is ideal for direct skin contact. In addition, liquid retention capacity is increased thanks to the fibre’s greater surface area. 

They will allow nonwoven producers to benefit from system cost reductions while maintaining the coverage and opacity performance required of lightweight fabrics aimed at the hygiene market, the company says. The defined cross section of the true trilobal shape achieves resilience which enhances fibre opacity and leads to a superior coverage effect and bulkiness in the finished nonwoven. This allows weight reductions of both the fibre and related nonwoven while overcoming the traditional loss of opacity associated with less material use.

The fibres are available in 1.0 to 6.7 dtex for spunlaced and thermal calendared bonded technologies. Ultrasoft can also be combined with well-being features such as Aloe Vera to add tailor-made functionality to the fibre.

“Soft and ultrasoft applications have always been one of Meraklon’s key competences,” syas Leonardo Pinoca, general manager at Beaulieu Fibres International Terni. “Now, with their trilobal shape and fine fibre dtex, our fibres represent a new generation in softness for customers looking to offer differentiated products to the market. Producers currently trialling nonwovens based on Ultrasoft Trilobal report that the coverage in combination with the softness is unique.”

Target applications s include topsheets and other parts for diapers and feminine napkins.

Further extensions to the Meraklon portfolio are planned for 2015, including the introduction of new polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponents.