ANDRITZ is set to present advanced process solutions at IDEA in Miami, USA, from April 29 to May 1, 2025 (booth 4216), addressing the growing market demand across various nonwoven and textile sectors. At IDEA, a special focus will be on technologies for sustainable nonwoven applications, particularly in the areas of wipes and hygiene, Dry Molded Fiber technology as well as innovations in durable nonwovens and life cycle service.
Since the last IDEA show in 2022, ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile has acquired Dan-Web, an expert in airlaid technology. This acquisition enhances their in-house portfolio for wipes and hygiene applications. In addition, the company has introduced the Dry Molded Fiber technology, which offers a sustainable solution for the packaging market.
COMPREHENSIVE EXPERTISE IN SUSTAINABLE WIPES TECHNOLOGIES
ANDRITZ is at the forefront of developing sustainable wipes through a variety of advanced technologies. Their expertise ranges from airlaid and spunlace to WetlaceTM and AirlaceTM processes. By combining these technologies in various ways, ANDRITZ can cater to different segments of the wipes market. For instance, the Wetlace technology is designed to produce flushable wipes, which are particularly important in the US market due to flushing regulations. By contrast, the Wetlace CP (carded-pulp), Airlace CAC (carded-airlaid-carded), and Spunlace CTC (carded-tissue-carded) technologies are the preferred options for biodegradable wipes, addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly products. Airlace technology is often utilized to manufacture household wipes, ensuring high performance and sustainability.
Moreover, conventional spunlace lines can easily be retrofitted with airlaid or wetlaid web forming capabilities to open up new market opportunities, such as for bio-wipes and flushable wipes. This provides greater flexibility for a wide range of applications.
INNOVATIONS IN HYGIENE APPLICATIONS
The new ANDRITZ airlaid underpad eXcelle line features in-line airlaid technology. This cutting-edge solution is specifically designed to produce premium-quality airlaid underpads used in hygiene applications. It combines advanced airlaid technology with efficient process design, enabling manufacturers to produce lightweight, absorbent, and eco-friendly underpads with high precision and consistency.
In addition, ANDRITZ has developed a comprehensive process to recycle SAP, fluff pulp, and other components of Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHPs) while maintaining high material quality. This recycling process is the result of a joint effort within ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile and helps promote more sustainable practices for the disposal and recycling of industrial AHP waste. In September 2025, ANDRITZ will open a pilot line for the recycling of industrial diaper waste. Customers are welcome to conduct trials.
Another ANDRITZ highlight at IDEA is the neXbond ultrasonic bonding technology. This new technique combines tensioned elastics entrapped between two layers of nonwoven fabric. It delivers a uniquely soft and skin-friendly waistband for diapers and leg cuffs without using glue or adhesives. Compared to adhesives, neXbond ultrasonic technology yields top-quality bonding with no creep or product damage, and with greater precision. Starting in May 2025, opportunities will be available to conduct trials with the neXbond ultrasonic bonding technology at ANDRITZ’s facility in Collecorvino, Italy.
Spunlace material is increasingly popular in hygiene and feminine care products due to its softness and the cellulosic and natural fibers that ensure gentle skin contact. ANDRITZ has developed spunlace lines capable of producing nonwoven materials for these applications. Baby diaper and sanitary napkin prototypes made from cellulosic spunlace material will be showcased at IDEA.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR TECHNOLOGIES IN DURABLE NONWOVENS
Another special focus area at IDEA will be technologies for durable nonwovens. ANDRITZ offers a full range of processes in this market segment. These include airlay technology, which plays a major role for durable nonwovens in the automotive industry, building insulation, carpet underfelt, the mattress industry, and furniture. Moreover, this process has optional 3D web-forming equipment capable of producing multiple-density web that is mostly used in the automotive industry.
ANDRITZ will also be presenting needlepunch solutions for light weights (from 30 gsm) to heavy weights (4,200 gsm), which represents a far larger range than ever before. To achieve optimum results for light weights, ANDRITZ offers its neXloom Elliptica type DF-4 needleloom in combination with the innovative ANDRITZ battcruise equipment and the ProWin™ web weight regulation system. For heavyweight sound absorption and insulation panels (up to 4,200 gsm), ANDRITZ will display a proven needlepunch solution through a single needleloom line.
The ANDRITZ booth will also include its technologies for bast fibers, which offer significant opportunities for both established and emerging players. Bast fibers, recognized for their lower carbon footprint compared to synthetics, are integral to the green transition, as they are considered zero-waste raw materials. These natural fibers are used in several key markets, such as the automotive industry, building insulation, geotextiles, construction, and textiles. The fibers typically remain in the ecosystems where they were harvested, benefiting local communities and reducing competition from imports.
SPOT-ON SERVICE FOR EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE PRODCUTION
At IDEA, ANDRITZ will also focus on the digital services customers are demanding to optimize production processes, enhance plant efficiency, and ensure top product quality. The ANDRITZ Metris suite of solutions is designed to meet these needs. Metris leverages advanced data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to provide comprehensive support for industrial plants throughout their entire lifecycle.
The newly launched Metris CoPilot is set to revolutionize production plant operations. This AI-powered tool offers real-time insights and immediate corrective actions through a user-friendly chat interface. Operators can interact with their equipment in natural language, receiving instant feedback and advice based on comprehensive technical documentation and production data. ANDRITZ’s Metris CoPilot is designed to enable routine tasks to be delegated to machines and AI, allowing human operators to focus on critical decision-making. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also addresses challenges such as knowledge gaps and operator shortages.
Another highlight the company is showcasing at IDEA is the ANDRITZ SYNERGYTM Service agreements. They offer efficient and cost-effective solutions to ensure uninterrupted productivity by complementing customers’ in-house capabilities with customized service packages. These agreements are designed to match the life cycle of the equipment, include regular expert visits, preventive maintenance, retrofits, and upgrades to keep your operations running smoothly and reliably.
Visitors to the IDEA show can engage with ANDRITZ experts and explore these cutting-edge technologies and services at booth 4216.
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