EVANSVILLE - Nonwovens manufacturer Berry Global is to invest more than US$70 million in its United States wipe substrate capabilities as it looks to meet a long-term increase in demand.
The investment includes a new line, producing additional capacity, and enabling the company to better serve its global customers as well as support the continuing growth of its business.
Berry supplies many of the world’s leading brands with wipe materials for infection prevention. Prior to the demand surge of 2020, the impregnated wet wipes segment, specific for home cleaning and disinfecting, was growing at 6% in the 2014 to 2019 time frame. Amplified by COVID-19 prevention, the demand for disinfectant wipes is expected to have permanently shifted to its current, increased use.
“This investment reflects the commitment we have in support of our customers’ growth plans and it is a clear signal of our intent to provide the best products in the disinfectant wiping space worldwide,” said Mark Siebert, EVP and general manager, U.S. and Canada, Healthcare and Specialties at Berry.
The investment, which has a targeted commercialization date of the March quarter 2023, is complementary to Berry’s existing portfolio and features the company’s proprietary Spinlace technology.
Spinlace technology is a highly efficient process that incorporates almost limitless material inputs, including pulp, with high-speed hydroentanglement. Additionally, Berry's proprietary Apex technology is combined with Spinlace to impart customizable three-dimensional images directly into the fabric to provide differentiated functional and aesthetic attributes. The Apex process improves strength, pick up or lay down of liquids, and improves visuals versus traditional manufacturing methods.
The line will be flexible in its production capabilities, with the ability to supply materials for wipes, filtration, personal care incontinence and healthcare applications.
