Belgium based PP fibre producer Beaulieu Fibres International is investing on a new hygiene fibre line equipped with the latest, state of the art long spin technology to meet the increase in demand in the market for high quality polyolefin fibres. The company will invest €30 million to expand capacity at its Merkalon plant in Italy for use in nonwovens.

Through the new investment, Beaulieu will for the first time produce polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and PET fibres.

The investment is expected to support its worldwide hygiene and personal care sector customers, who use these fibres in nonwoven applications like baby diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine care and wipes.

According to the company, nonwovens made with these fibre combinations have a higher loft or bulk and a good resilience.

“The higher melting temperature of the PET in the core of the fibre allows a broad bonding window during the production process,” Beaulieu said. (AR)