EVANSVILLE - Berry Global is to install a new spunlace line in Europe as it looks to ramp up its production of biodegradable and recycled nonwoven fabrics for the industrial wipes sector.
The investment will increase Berry’s production footprint in support of its global customers, with total investments reaching over US$110 million in nonwoven materials for products such as hard surface disinfectant wipes.
Prior to the demand surge of 2020, the European impregnated wet wipes segment, for home cleaning and disinfecting, was growing at the rate of 5% in the 2014 to 2019 time frame. As the company notes, COVID-19 has increased heightened focus on sanitation and personal hygiene for infection prevention, suggesting permanent consumer trends away from the chore of cleaning to a health and safety priority.
“We strategically partner with many of the world’s leading brands with wipe materials, ensuring our investments align with demand for today and for the future," said Curt Begle, President of Berry’s Health, Hygiene, and Specialties Division. "The reliability of our capacity and scale are paramount to our customer support and the trusted relationships we desire to maintain.”
This new asset will add to the company’s existing Spunlace platform, further expanding its sustainable wipes portfolio. Recognizing its customers’ ongoing environmental sustainability goals, the new asset will incorporate the production of biodegradable or recycled nonwoven substrates, increasing Berry’s capacity in Europe by more than 300 million square meters. The new line is expected to be commercially available in the September quarter of 2022.
“This multimillion-dollar investment further completes our industry-leading portfolio. Through flexible assets such as this installation in Europe, we can better serve our customers with reliable, sustainable solutions for the wipes market,” added Achim Schalk, EVP and General Manager, EMEIA for Berry’s Health, Hygiene, and Specialties Division.
