Wood pulp spunlace nonwoven

Types of Wood Pulp Spunlace Nonwoven

Wood pulp spunlace nonwoven comes in different types, each suited for particular applications. The following presents the most common types alongside their unique characteristics and advantages:

Organic Wood Pulp Spunlace Nonwoven

Organic wood pulp spunlace nonwoven is made from 100% organic wood pulp. Therefore, it is highly absorbent, soft, and biodegradable. These qualities make them a favorite in the medical and personal care industries. The nonwoven fabric is also used in disposable wipes, as organic pulp has no irritating additives.

Bleached Wood Pulp Spunlace Nonwoven

Unlike organic pulp, bleached wood pulp spunlace nonwoven is processed with chlorine compounds to produce a whiter and cleaner pulp. This pulp is also absorbent and soft, but with a smoother texture. For some users, the bleaching chemicals may pose an allergy risk. However, most fabrics are thoroughly processed to remove chlorines and dioxins. This fabric is ideal in contexts where appearance is highly considered, like cosmetic wipes.

Unbleached Wood Pulp Spunlace Nonwoven

Unbleached wood pulp nonwoven fabric uses wood pulp in its natural color. Therefore, it is less processed and often retains more of its natural fiber properties. The downside is that it may not have the same pristine whiteness as bleached counterparts. However, this type of nonwoven fabric is preferred when organic composition and durability are prioritized. Moreover, it is commonly used in eco-friendly packaging and industrial applications.

Synthetic and Wood Pulp Blend Spunlace Nonwoven

This nonwoven fabric blends wood pulp and synthetic fibers like polyester. The blend aims to combine the advantages of both materials: the absorbency of pulp and the strength and durability of synthetic fibers. Such fabrics are ideal for heavy-duty applications that still require high absorbency. Therefore, they are common in medical textiles, hygiene products, and industrial wipes.

Specifications and Maintenance of Wood Pulp Spunlace Nonwoven

The key specifications and maintenance of wood pulp spunlace nonwoven are discussed here:

Technical Specifications

• Basis Weight: Basis weight refers to the weight of the material per unit area. Normally for wood pulp spunlace nonwoven, the basis weight varies from 30 GSM to 100 GSM. For GSM, it is a metric unit of measurement that means grams per square meter. Furthermore, a higher GSM means greater absorbency and durability. Therefore, this feature is particularly critical in industrial and medical applications.
• Thickness: Usually, the thickness of wood pulp based nonwoven fabric ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. This highly depends on the specific application. Thick fabrics provide additional absorbency and strength. Conversely, thin fabrics ensure softness and flexibility.
• Width: Commonly, these nonwoven fabrics come in various widths. The widths generally range from 10 cm to 160 cm. This variation allows customization based on the project requirements. The template factors here include machinery compatibility and end-product design.
• Porosity: Porosity measures the ability of the material to absorb liquid or air. In wood pulp spunlace nonwoven, porosity depends on fiber arrangement and thickness. Therefore, higher porosity ensures the material is highly absorbent and breathable. This property makes it ideal for personal care, medical supplies, and agriculture.

Maintenance Strategies

• Cleaning: Generally, wood pulp spunlace nonwoven is easily cleaned. This is possible when used as a wipe or cloth. A large majority of these nonwoven materials are machine washable. Others are also disposable. Those that are machine washable should be washed in cold water with mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that might degrade the fibers.
• Drying: Normally, these nonwovens can be air dried. This is the most recommended way to preserve their integrity and texture. If a customer has to tumble dry, they should do so on a low heat setting. This exercise ensures they do not get damaged from high temperatures.
• Storage: Proper storage is critical in maintaining the quality of spunlace nonwoven fabric. In most cases, storing the material in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is ideal. Exposure to heat and UV light degrades the fiber. Therefore, such conditions should be avoided at all costs.
• Usage: In most scenarios, this nonwoven material is used in hygiene and medical applications. In such cases, the material is predominantly disposable. Therefore, users should follow guidelines for disposal in accordance with local regulations. This practice ensures that hygiene and environmental considerations are well adhered to.

Using Scenarios of Wood Pulp Spunlace Nonwoven

Wood pulp based nonwoven fabric is a versatile material. Its versatility makes it usable across various industries and applications. Below is a detailed usage scenario categorized by industry:

Personal Care and Hygiene

In the personal care and hygiene industry, this nonwoven fabric is mainly a critical component in the manufacture of facial masks, cleansing wipes, and feminine hygiene products. This industry favors it because of its gentleness on the skin, absorbency, and biodegradability. The sanitary napkin making process uses this fabric for its soft texture and ability to retain liquids. In facial masks, it holds serums effectively while providing a comfortable experience for users. Additionally, cleansing wipes benefit from the fabric's durability, allowing it to hold together during use without tearing easily.

Medical Industry

In the medical industry, hospitals and healthcare providers use wood pulp spunlace nonwoven for its safety and reliability. The fabric is a staple in surgical drapes, gowns, and disposable wipes. Its softness ensures it does not irritate sensitive skin, like that of patients lying on surgical beds for long durations. In wound care, this nonwoven fabric is a component of bandages that absorb exudate while keeping the wound moist and aiding in faster recovery. Wood pulp nonwoven fabric for masks is also in demand. It provides a breathable and lightweight barrier for patients and medical staff.

Industrial Applications

In industrial settings, this nonwoven material safeguards machinery and equipment. It makes them protected from dust and other contaminants. In agriculture, they are helpful as protective covers for plants and crops. This treatment protects them from harsh weather conditions while allowing air and moisture through. Crop covers also increase crop yield as they protect crops and increase their health.

Home Textiles

Wood pulp sewnlace nonwoven fabric is also a favorite in home textiles. It is in products such as beddings, curtains, and upholstery. In bedding, for instance, it enhances comfort through its softness and breathability. Also, it makes curtains lightweight and easy to maintain. These curtains also provide an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fabrics. The reason is that they are biodegradable and derived from renewable resources.

Wood Pulp Spunlace Nonwoven Quality and Safety Considerations

Several quality and safety standards govern wood pulp spunlace nonwoven. They ensure the material is suitable for its diverse applications. Below are several of these standards alongside the precautionary measures that are taken:

Quality Standards

• Absorbency: Normally, absorbency is a key quality standard for this nonwoven material. They should effectively absorb liquids, be soft to touch, and have a smooth surface free from lint, ensuring they do not irritate nor disrupt procedures. Manufacturers regularly test absorbency by measuring the amount of liquid the material can retain before becoming saturated.
• Tensile Strength: Wood pulp spunlace nonwoven must have adequate tensile strength, ensuring they do not tear or rip during use. Whether users pull them, bend, or twist them, they should remain intact. Manufacturers assess tensile strength through standard testing methods. They measure how much force the material can withstand before breaking. Specifications typically require a minimum level of tensile strength, determined by industry standards and intended use. Examples include medical applications requiring more durable drapes and gowns.
• Purity: Purity is also a key quality for wood pulp spunlace nonwoven fabric. Any impurities in the fabric can cause irritation for personal use. The impurities can also compromise the fabric's strength and absorbency. Therefore, impurities like dust, dirt, or leftover chemicals should be low. Many manufacturers use advanced filtration and purification techniques to remove such particles from the fabric.

Safety Standards

• Biocompatibility: Biocompatibility is a safety standard when used in medical and personal care products. For instance, the bandage material should not cause irritation or an allergic reaction. There are various parameters to consider for biocompatibility safety, like cytotoxicity, skin irritation, and sensitization. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate them. Many public health organizations set standards for biocompatibility, namely the World Health Organization.
• Chemical Safety: Chemical safety standards ensure that any chemicals used in processing the wood pulp do not pose health risks. These chemicals may include adhesives used in binding the fibers. Therefore, all substances should be non-toxic and free from harmful heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Moreover, manufacturers should comply with regulations like REACH. This regulation limits the use of certain hazardous chemicals, ensuring they are in neither the product nor its manufacturing process.
• Fire Safety:

  Just like any other fabric, wood pulp based nonwoven fabric has to meet fire safety standards. The standards require the material to have a certain level of flame resistance. Many standards are specific to the intended use of the material. For example, fabrics for medical or industrial use may have stricter standards compared to household items. Moreover, tests like the Limiting Oxygen Index measure the fabric's ability to sustain combustion in low-oxygen environments.

Factors that affect the Wood Pulp Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric's Price

The factors that affect the price of wood pulp spunlace nonwoven fabric are discussed in detail below:

Raw Material Costs

The wood pulp used in making nonwoven fabric comes from various sources. They include pine, eucalyptus, and others. The type of wood used influences the fabric's price, especially in quality and color. Birch tree pulp is widely preferred because of its long fibers. The fibers make the material more durable. Oak wood gives the fabric a denser texture. This density makes it heavier and sturdier.

When the cost of acquiring raw materials increases, the manufacturers are left with no option but to hike the cost of making the fabric. Consequently, they pass this increase to the end consumers. So, wood pulp costs directly influence spunlace nonwoven fabric prices.

Production Technology

The production of wood pulp spunlace nonwoven comes with a huge variable manufacturing cost. This variation results from using different production techniques like hydro entanglement and needle punching. The latter is more energy-intensive than the former. It makes the production more costly.

Other high-tech equipment manufacturers may need to acquire to keep up with market demands may also contribute to production costs. Advanced machinery like high-pressure water jets, multi-pump systems, and high-speed winder machines are expensive. When manufacturers incur high machinery costs, they will most likely increase the fabric price to recover the expense.

Labor and Energy Costs

Labor costs are inevitable regardless of the manufacturing industry. For wood pulp nonwoven fabric, both skilled and unskilled workers are essential. The former are the ones who come up with new spinning techniques. The latter are the workers who implement these techniques and ensure efficiency.

If the workers' wages increase, the manufacturing cost will also increase, increasing the fabric price as well. Also, the energy costs used in the manufacturing process, including electricity and gas, affect the fabric price. With the global energy prices constantly fluctuating, the fabric prices are bound to be affected as well.

Market Demand

The demand for wood pulp spunlace nonwoven fabric has increased over the past few years due to their versatility. The versatility makes them usable in various industries like personal care, medical, home textiles, and more. This increase in demand has significantly contributed to the fabric supply. When the supply is high with no corresponding market demand, the manufacturers offer discounts to boost sales. As a result, the fabric price decreases.

Q & A

Q. Will the price of wood pulp spunlace fabric increase due to the declining market demand?

A. No. The fabric price will not increase as a result of declining market demand.

Q. Are there profitable benefits of using wood pulp spunlace nonwoven fabric in the personal care industry?

A. Yes. The profitability benefits are environmental sustainability and high product profitability.

Q. What are the health risks of using wood pulp-based nonwoven medical fabrics that do not meet class 1 medical standards?

If the fabric does not meet class 1 medical standards, it may cause several health risks. They include surgical site infections.

Q. How does diversifying the industry where wood pulp spunlace fabric is used help manufacturers financially?

The fabric's versatility increases customer demand, subsequently increasing the fabric's supply. When the fabric supply increases, the prices also increase, benefiting the manufacturers financially.