WIELSBEKE - Polyolefin and BICO fibre supplier Beaulieu Fibres International has outlined its latest resource-saving and carbon footprint-reducing solutions for both the hygiene and industrial sectors.

The Meralux BICO Trilobal class of fibres has been designed to improve raw material savings, nonwoven basis weight reduction, significant CO2 reduction, and recyclability potential. With their particular cross-section shape, these unique polypropylene / polyethylene fibres achieve a reduced weight of fibres with the same fibre coverage compared to a round BICO PP/PE fibre.

Savings of up to 54% fibre use can be achieved, the company says, resulting in a 57% carbon footprint reduction.

Meralux BICO Trilobal fibres also offer possibilities for higher opacity, higher bulkiness and improved liquid management, to bring significant improvements to the dryness of nonwovens for hygiene applications. Moreover, the fibres are designed for recycling thanks to the use of polyolefin polymers.

On the path towards 100% recyclable industrial applications, Beaulieu also offers UltraBond, its bonding staple fibre to gain a significant ecological footprint reduction for 100% polyolefin nonwoven products and eliminate the need for latex or other chemical binders.

Here, nonwoven producers benefit from a reduction in production and energy costs, and ultimately from a lower carbon footprint, as processing UltraBond requires no water and happens through thermal bonding, a 100% dry process.

This “greener” production process is highlighted in Rewind event carpet, a 100% PP needlepunched flooring solution. During production it requires 85% less energy and 100% less water, and generates 55% less CO₂ compared to traditional event carpet.

As of March 2023, Beaulieu Fibres International is also now offering bio circular products from all three manufacturing sites. The ISCC Plus certifications for both the Belgian and Italian plants confirm to the nonwoven market that the development of sustainable fibre solutions with a negative carbon footprint is now possible.

“In our approach to offer fibres that build futures, we prioritize the delivery of a fit-for-purpose performance fibre that also embraces circular economy and boasts sustainability-related properties," said Maria Teresa Tomaselli, General Manager, Beaulieu Fibres International. "Through collaboration, and by leveraging our R&D capabilities, we can help nonwoven producers to take positive steps towards their sustainability targets and product performance goals.”