#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2020-05-28

W+D/BICMA develops 3 ply face mask line with a lower cost mask design

W+D has more than 100 years of high-speed industry shaping innovations (c) 2020 INDA

The W+D/BICMA hygiene group of Winkler and Dünnebier reacting to the worldwide shortage and peak demand for high quality lower cost face masks has developed a fully automatic, high-speed face mask converting line for the production of high quality disposable face masks. This new converting line will be able to produce masks for surgical grade applications at up to 800 face masks per minute with a new lower cost ear loop design.

The new AUXILIUM FM mask line laminates and converts three layers of fabrics (spun bond, melt blown, thermo-bonded nonwovens and others) and ensures highest quality hygiene standards for “flat masks” or “surgical masks” with a metal stay for better comfort and fit over the nose (even for those wearing glasses). W+D/BICMA brings proven technology in automatic unwinding and splicing for nonwoven webs; cutting and positioning devices; and heat (or ultrasonic) edge welding.

The new AUXILIUM FM mask line has a speed of up to 150 m/min (492 ft/min) and is able to produce up to 1 million high quality face masks per day making it one of the fastest production mask machines in the world. Adding to the manufacturing throughput efficiency are the unique lower cost ear loops with more affordable Lycra® thereby maximizing lowest cost per piece mass production. There are also different options available for mask stacking and packing automation which make this mask machine further suited for Industry 4.0 manufacturing.

1 million high quality surgical masks per day output capability of the new W+D/BICMA AUXILIUM FM (c) 2020 W+ D

W+D/BICMA is one of the globally leading specialists for converting machines for the production of hygiene end products: Tissue products, diapers for children and adults, feminine hygiene products, absorbent pads and now also surgical face masks.

For more information on this new face machine and samples of new lower cost facemask contact :

facemasks@wdnorthamerica.com or https://www.bicma.com/en/home/

INDA honors four industry leaders with 2026 Lifetime Service and Technical Achievement Awards

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced the four distinguished recipients of the 2026 INDA Lifetime Service Award and Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. Tom Daugherty, Pricie Hanna, Carey Hobbs, and CK Wong are being recognized for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and enduring contributions to advancing the nonwovens industry and strengthening the global community it serves.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Cinte Techtextil China proves to be dynamic international platform and launchpad for new market potential

After three days of facilitating meaningful exchange for numerous applications of technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China 2025 concluded on 5 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Feedback across the fairground was highly positive, especially from first-time exhibitors and buyers who valued the platform’s capability to create new opportunities both in China and overseas markets.

Freudenberg Performance Materials presents Mehlerheytex and Filc at Techtextil 2026

Freudenberg Performance Materials will showcase textile innovations that increase efficiency, performance and sustainability in industry and mobility at Techtextil 2026. For the first time since the merger of Mehler Texnologies and Heytex, the MehlerHeytex brand will make its debut as a leading expert in coated technical textiles. Moreover, Freudenberg Performance Materials Filc (Filc), specialist for advanced needlepunch nonwovens and laminated materials, will present its groundbreaking solutions for automotive applications. Filc customers can benefit from the perfect combination of functionality, comfort and sustainability. The Freudenberg Performance Materials experts are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the trade fair at Stand A11 in Hall 11.0 from April 21 – 24, 2026.

Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 to showcase innovations – Call for abstracts

The call for abstracts is now open for the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2026, taking place on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany, and online. Europe’s leading platform for advanced recycling brings together hands-on solutions and cutting-edge research on recycling technologies for various waste streams like plastics, polymers, textiles or automotive, highlighting progress towards a circular renewable carbon economy.