Apr 25 2007
Celanese Corporation introduced a new polymer system at the IDEA 2007 tradeshow that responds to the need for truly flushable nonwoven products that completely disperse when disposed into water. The patent-pending polymer system, Nacrylic™ STP, adds value to chemically bonded wipes by supporting the wet strength requirements of products containing lotions and by triggering the wipe to fully disperse while in the presence of excess water. This all-new technology allows consumer products companies to market wipes as truly flushable products that disperse in virtually the same way as common toilet paper.
According to Claudia Berrón, marketing manager for engineered fabrics at Celanese, the introduction of Nacrylic™ STP will change the way personal hygiene wipes are marketed to consumers going forward. “Environmental impact is a key criterion upon which consumers make purchase decisions today. Nacrylic™ STP is state-of-the-art in environmental friendliness and offers nonwovens producers a key differentiator with which to develop new, high-value SKUs. It is a polymer system technology that can make chemically bonded wipes truly flushable products,” she said. “While many wipes on the market today are considered flushable, few actually disperse. With Nacrylic™ STP, the wipe actually disperses, minimizing its impact on septic systems, water treatment facilities and the environment,” she said.
In Support of the Nonwovens Supply Chain
According to Berrón, the launch of Nacrylic™ STP provides new opportunities for Celanese to support the nonwovens supply chain with innovative technologies to produce the next generation of wipes. “Celanese is ready to disclose further details with interested parties under a confidentiality agreement,” she said. “Celanese already has a working knowledge of the manufacturing processes and lotions that allow for the critical balance between wet strength and dispersibility,” she said. “Collaborative efforts with companies throughout the value chain will result in marketable dispersible wipes being brought to market quickly,” she said.
Positioned to Meet International Demand
A worldwide leader in polymer technology, Celanese is committed to delivering performance-based solutions for engineered fabrics, starting with their R&D Center of Excellence in Bridgewater, NJ. Coupled with an international team of technical service specialists, Celanese is ready to deliver new levels of performance for producers and marketers of engineered fabrics. Manufacturing plants are strategically positioned across North America and Europe, with a new plant coming on-stream later this year in Nanjing, China.