Focus Segments of Non Woven Tech Africa 2022

Nonwovens are extensively used in the medical field and in protection against biological agents in other sectors. With today’s multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria and virus, nonwovens can help in the fight against cross-contamination and the spread of infection in a medical or surgical environment.

Modern disposable absorbent hygiene products have made an important contribution to the quality of life and skin health of millions of people. Users of baby diapers, feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence products benefit from the softness, smoothness, leakage prevention, strength and protection provided by nonwoven fabrics.

Nonwoven solutions such as oxygen-scavenging packaging for foodstuffs and anti-static packaging for computer equipment are just two of the innovative packaging solutions available today. Packaging industry experts are looking to nonwovens for alternative solutions and the fexibility of the materials provide is testament to the potential nonwovens have as a packaging medium of the present and the future.

The use of nonwoven crop covers on the land increases yields and improves the quality of the crops. Very light, flexible sheets are laid over seed beds, which create a microclimate in which the heat and humidity are controlled. The growth of the plants is accelerated and they are protected from adverse weather conditions and vermin.

Geo-nonwovens, speciality in the civil engineering field, form the backbone of numerous civil engineering projects. nonwoven geotextiles are multi-purpose fabrics that are felt-like in appearance. The main functions for these products are filtration and separation.

One of the fastest growing segments in the nonwovens industry, filtration is characterised by dozens of end use areas and applications. Nonwovens can be engineered very precisely to meet exacting specifications and stringent regulatory requirements for the filtration of air, liquid, bacteria, dust, gas and a myriad of other areas.

The use of nonwovens has increased substantially in recent years. Today more than 40 automotive parts are made with nonwoven fabrics, from trunk liners and carpets to air and fuel filters. By building in the essential properties which are necessary for good performance and safety, nonwovens help reduce the weight of the car, enhance the comfort and aesthetics and provide advanced insulation, fire retardancy and resistance to water, fuels, extremes of temperature and abrasion.

Nonwoven fabrics provide specific functions such as absorbency, liquid repellency, resilience, stretch, softness, strength, flame retardancy, washability, cushioning, filtering, bacterial barriers and sterility.