Source: Non-wovens Industry
Woolchemy Creates Wool-Based ADL Materials
A New Zealand-based company is applying the benefits of wool, such as odor control and dryness, to hygiene products. Woolchemy recently released a whitepaper assessing the performance of neweFlex, a proprietary, high performance acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) material in applications such as diapers, feminine hygiene products and incontinence items. Woolchemy developed and evaluated the wool-based ADL with support from an independent research institute specializing in nonwovens innovation. neweFlex was found to deliver notable performance improvements across the major applications for hygiene.
Diapers with integrated neweFlex ADL were subjected to thermal comfort assessments over multiple liquid insults and compared with a standard petroleum material-based diaper. Tests were conducted by a Michigan Public Research Laboratory where a baby heated manikin was employed in accordance with an adapted test standard ASTM F1291. The thermal comfort was assessed using multiple temperature and humidity sensors located in different places on a baby manikin. Diapers were repeatedly insulted with liquid (80 ml) in 120 minute intervals between insults, simulating diaper use over an extended period of time (8 hours in wet state). The main results across all four sensors and thermal camera data confirmed that diapers made with neweFlex were overall more stable and consistent in reducing temperature fluctuations between liquid insult periods compared to diapers made with petroleum-based ADL.
Woolchemy’s proprietary material is made from ethically sourced, traceable New Zealand wool, processed to meet stringent hygiene regulations. For the first time, the science of wool—proven in categories like clothing for odor control and thermal regulation—has been successfully translated and applied to consumer needs for disposable hygiene products where it offers a sustainable alternative.
“Woolchemy’s innovative approach to wool-based materials brings a refreshing and much-needed new alternative in the hygiene industry,” says John Poccia, principal of Poccia Consulting. “Their ADL technology stands out for its ability to deliver impressive moisture management, comfort, and unique benefits from wool-based materials, while providing a natural, biodegradable alternative to traditional synthetics.”
Comments