PETAH TIKVA – Spunmelt nonwovens producer Avgol is collaborating with Algaeing, the Berlin-based developer of patented algae bio-based formulations for colorants and fibres.
The focus is on modifying the aesthetic qualities of sustainable polyolefin based spunbond and meltblown fabrics.
Algaeing’s technologies utilise various algae species to produce a wide range of appealing colours, many of which replicate those used in nonwoven fabrics today. The benefits of using an algae bio-source go far beyond the removal of chemically synthesized colorants, and include vastly reduced water consumption, chemical/fertilizer use, and carbon dioxide emissions.
“We’re very excited to bring our technology into the realm of spunlaid nonwovens,” said Renana Krebs, CEO of Algaeing. “The opportunities to utilise our technology in Avgol’s sustainable component materials and bring colour, as well as the skin wellness attributes of algae-derived products into personal care items is an opportunity to reduce human impact around the world on a large scale.”
“Avgol is building a portfolio of products and materials to offer 100% sustainable end-products for hygiene, medical, PPE and industrial applications,” added Shachar Rachim, CEO of Avgol. “Our recent announcement of the collaboration with Polymateria and the Biotransformation technology for fugitive single use articles fills out one part of the overall catalogue. Creating a link with other companies which have a drive towards the future and round out our offering is critical for supporting our vision. We found that exact motivation in Algaeing.”
The companies have been working together since 2020 and have tested the Algaeing colorant technology in proof of concept and prototyping phases. The parties are now preparing to enter the next stages of the product introduction pipeline.
The application of the integrated colour to nonwovens will initially concentrate on the hygiene and medical/personal protection equipment markets. Specifically, body liner materials for absorbent hygiene products (AHP’s) and face mask/face covering components will be key targets in the first-generation product launch.
“The benefits of Algaeing’s technology also fit well with Avgol’s desire for materials that are more readily recyclable and biodegradable,” said Rachim. “Having an organic colorant that can be removed during the recycling process and has no negative impact when released into the environment if undergoing biodegradation, supports polyolefins as future-proof resins.”
