Conference Speakers

Thomas Weigert

Senior Expert Technology Spunlace & Drying, Truetzschler Nonwoven GmbH

BIOGRAPHY

Since 1997 Mr. Thomas Weigert has worked at Trützschler Nonwovens, the former Fleissner GmbH, in Egelsbach near Frankfurt/Germany, which is one of the leading suppliers of nonwoven production lines and machinery.

For more than 20 years in various positions he gained wide experience in the design and development of nonwoven production equipment and also in the technological requirements for nonwoven substrates. Today in the position as Director Application Technology Mr. Weigert holds technological responsibility for Fleissner AquaJet, Through Air Drying and Wetlaid Spunlace (WLS).

Mr. Weigert got his degree in mechanical engineering at Darmstadt Technical University in August 1989 and started his professional life in the design and development of automotive brake systems before entering into the nonwoven industry.

The Next Level of Wipes

The technology of wet-laying and spunlacing (WLS) has been a success in the market since its introduction in 2013. Now this proven concept might also be an answer to new challenges.

In recent years people all over the world more and more worry about plastic islands in oceans,“fatbergs” in sewer system and microplastics in food and water. Governments, e.g. the European Union on December 19th 2018, react by banning usage of plastic in single use products (SUP), labeling obligation or putting them under observation.

Therefore conventional spunlaced wipes containing polyester or polypropylene will increasingly get under pressure. In this talk Voith and Trützschler Nonwovens discuss two different technology concepts for greener wipes made from renewable resources:

- WLS technology for making fully biodegradable wipes from cellulose-based fibers. These next level types of wipes provide best preconditions to meet all future market requirements

- Cotton fibers as an alternative raw material for carded-spunlaced wipes. Both virgin cotton and comber noils can be processed into high-value end products with the original sought-after “cotton touch”.