Medical, Health & Hygiene

After the success of its 2010 Nonwovens Symposium in Baveno, which drew more than 200 delegates, EDANA has announced the programme for the first Eurasia Nonwovens Symposium, which will take place at the Sheraton Ataköy Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey from the 10-11 May 2012.

Over the past decade there has been a marked increase in the development of nonwoven technologies for the successful processing of alternative raw materials, including natural fibres, and for the recycling of waste materials.

National Nonwovens has installed a 2.4 meter air-laid needle punch nonwoven line which is strategically located in a contained, clean-room environment. Production on the line is currently focused on, but is not limited to, the manufacturing of medical products.

Vicki Barbur, VP Research and Development, M-Segment, at Cardinal Health will be presenting ‘Materials in Medicine: The Need for Smart, High Performance Textiles ‘at Smart Fabrics 2012. Organisers IntertechPira asked Vicki to share some of her insights on the industry, specifically in terms of medical applications for smart fabrics.

In spite of an increase in production for 2011 by Italian textile machinery manufacturers, forecasts remain cautious for the current year. Provisional figures for 2011 for Italy’s textile machinery sector show a further increase in manufacturing production and exports, following a good recovery in 2010 and a recession hit 2009.

Hologenix, manufacturer of Celliant, a responsive textile technology for apparel, bedding and veterinary products, has announced the formation of a Science Advisory Board.

The world market for technical textiles was estimated at US$127.2bn in 2010, with Asia accounting for US$59.9bn, or 47% of the total. China, which is now the world’s largest producer of technical textiles in volume terms, is estimated to have around 11% of the industry’s total global exports by value. Moreover, China’s apparent consumption is forecast to grow at around 10% a year to 2015, and the country will continue to be a significant importer, particularly for high-tech products.

According to Schoeller Technologies, the efficacy its energear textile technology has been confirmed in an innovative test process at the Hohenstein Institute. The Swiss company also says that the technology has received positive feedback from German Olympian equestrian Bettina Hoy and her horses. energear is a new textile technology from Schoeller that is said to ensure that the energy radiated by the body is returned to it.

India is witnessing a revolutionary phase in the horticultural and agricultural sectors with both small and large companies investing heavily in the latest technologies. In March, the Ministry of Agriculture-sponsored Inter-Horti Expo will become the focus for the industry with both domestic and international exhibitors vying for a piece of the action and displaying their latest products.

Bissell Homecare has been named the winner of the prestigious 2012 Visionary Award, presented at the VISION 2012 Consumer Products Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana this week. Bissell’s Stomp ‘N Go Lifting Pad is designed to make cleaning carpet stains easy and simple.