#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.

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.

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.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.