Suominen, a leading global supplier of nonwovens has announced that its Hydraspun Dispersible substrate has passed the 3rd edition flushability assessment test protocol and that consequently it will add further supply in Europe.

The protocol was introduced last year under a joint INDA/EDANA, the North American and European nonwovens industry trade associations, industry initiative which allows products to claim flushability in wastewater systems.

Additionally, and further to the earlier announced investment to increase the manufacturing capacity of Hydraspun in the USA, the company is adding further Hydraspun supply in Europe. The investment in the USA is currently running on schedule for initiation of on-time commercial sales of increased Hydraspun supply in April this year. The increased supply in Europe results from expanded manufacturing co-operation with Ahlstrom Corporation’s Ställdalen plant in Sweden.

Timo Hiekkaranta, SVP Convenience Business Area commented: “Keeping up with demand for flushable wipe materials from our customers is an important priority for us. In adding further supply for Hydraspun dispersible substrates in Europe, over and above our investment in the USA, we are effectively increasing our available supply to them by more than 25%.”

Saara Söderberg, VP Marketing & Product Management, added: “We in Suominen aim to respond quickly to our customers and their consumers’ needs. The growing global demand for products like moist toilet wipes means that we have to look at constant product improvements both now and into the future. Passing the GD3 testing means we can continue to supply proven flushable substrates as the long-standing leader in this market.”

Steve Ogle, Director of Technical Affairs at INDA stated: “Our nonwoven industry continues to create products that make our lives healthier and more convenient. Wet wipes like; moist toilet wipes, baby wipes, and personal care wipes are great examples of the industry’s consumer focused innovation. INDA, along with our partner association EDANA, has produced a Code of Practice for the proper labeling of wipes products.  For manufacturers wanting to label a product as “flushable”, the product should be evaluated via the ‘Guidance Document for assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products’ and pass all seven tests.”

Suominen supplies its industrial and retail customers with nonwovens and flexible packaging for use in consumer products worldwide and is a global leader in nonwovens for wipes. The company employs more than 1000 people in Europe and the Americas. The company’s net sales in 2013 amounted to EUR 433.1 million.

www.suominen.fi