In our ageing society, the need for discrete incontinence solutions is growing. At the same time, the waste problem with these products is increasing. Kelheim Fibres, the leading manufacturer of viscose speciality fibres, has created a fibre, named Bramante, which combines an outstanding liquid absorption capacity and an extremely high retention level with the well-known benefits of viscose fibres, which are physiologically neutral and skin-friendly, made of 100% renewable materials and are therefore compostable or low-emission when disposed of in incineration plants. But Bramante also enables the production of thin and discrete washable and re-usable incontinence pads - in contrast to other washable products that can be bulky and uncomfortable.
Sebastian Basel, Business Manager at Kelheim Fibres, explains: "The characteristic of our new fibre is its hollow cross section. While other products absorb the liquid between the individual fibres (in a nonwoven, for example), Bramante stores the liquid in its hollow centre. So, it not only delivers an excellent absorption capacity, but also a moisture retention level of 250% - in contrast to 80% in standard viscose fibres. The liquid remains inside the fibre, even under pressure; as a result, the wearer feels comfortable, dry and safe."
Bramante, which is already produced on industrial scale, is only one of a range of newly developed viscose speciality fibres which Kelheim Fibres will present at this year's IDEA show.
Another new speciality from Kelheim is Olea, the first viscose fibre with intrinsic water repellent properties. Fully biodegradable like all viscose fibres, Olea offers an environmentally friendly alternative for the cover- and back-sheets of hygiene products, e.g. for nappies, sanitary towels or incontinence pads.
With Olea, it is now possible to manufacture completely eco-friendly hygiene products with uncompromising commitment to top-quality and functionality. Visitors to IDEA can convince themselves of Olea's properties at booth nr. 1657: samples and video material will impressively demonstrate the effects of this new fibre.
In addition to the new fibre specialities from Kelheim their established brands Danufil?, Galaxy? as well as Viloft? nonwoven will be highlights at the IDEA show, as Kelheim Fibres has been the world's leading supplier of viscose specialities for tampon and hygiene fibres for many years. Beyond that, Kelheim Fibres has made itself a name as the only European manufacturer of viscose short cut fibres for paper applications and now supplies these fibres to speciality paper manufacturers around the world.
