Needlefelt line for TAL

Technical Absorbents (TAL), the developer of superabsorbent fibre (SAF) technology, has recently installed a needlefelt line at its plant in Grimsby, UK.

The company has been involved in the production of SAF-containing roll goods for a number of years, but has previously worked with global partners. These relationships will continue, but the new line will provide the company with greater flexibility and product development opportunities. 

The line can produce fabrics up to two metres wide in basis weights from 130-1,000 gsm, containing as much as 80% SAF.

To help protect the fibre during processing, the line is housed in a low-humidity environment.

“Initially the line will be used for research and development, as well as making commercial products,” says product development director Mark Paterson. “We are also willing to undertake short-order trial runs for potential customers where possible.

“The choice of needlefelt compared with the other nonwovens technologies was based on a number of factors. The key growth areas for us are the medical and filtration markets and the new line is a good fit for this. As a company, we have now established our own needlefelt expertise and can call on advice from our partners as and when required. We will also continue to supply airlaid fabrics and other converted products as normal.”

TAL has regularly invested in increasing its fibre manufacturing capacity since it began production in 1993. The latest investment in its own nonwoven line however, is the most recent indication of the company’s ongoing commitment to the supply of a growing portfolio of superabsorbent product solutions.