Avgol, a leading spunmelt nonwovens manufacturer, is partnering with Algaeing, a Berlin-based maker of proprietary algae bio-based colorants and fiber formulations. The aim is to improve the cosmetic qualities of spunbond and melt-blown fabrics made from renewable polyolefins.

Algaeing's inventions utilize a variety of algae species to create a wide spectrum of enticing colors, many of which are similar to those already found in nonwoven fabrics. The advantages of using algae as a bio-sourced include drastically decreased water use, chemical/fertilizer use, and carbon dioxide emissions, in addition to the elimination of chemically synthesized colorants.

CEO of Algaeing, Renana Kreb, said they're very excited to bring their technology into the world of spunlaid nonwovens. The potential to incorporate their technologies into Avgol's renewable part materials and put color, as well as the skin health benefits of algae-derived products, into personal care goods, represents a significant opportunity to minimize human impact on a global scale.

Shachar Rachim, CEO of Avgol, said, Avgol is developing a pipeline of goods and materials to deliver 100% sustainable end-products for hygiene, medical, PPE, and industrial applications. Their latest news of a partnership with Polymateria and Biotransformation technologies for fugitive single-use papers completes one section of the total collection. Creating a bond with other businesses that have a future-oriented mindset and can complement their offering is vital to realizing their vision. Algaeing provided them with the same motivation.

Since 2020, the companies have collaborated and tested the Algaeing colorant technology in proof of concept and prototyping processes. The parties are already planning to move forward in the product development pipeline.

The grooming and medical/personal security equipment markets will be the first to benefit from the use of integrated color in nonwovens. In the first-generation product introduction, body liner fabrics for absorbent grooming products (AHPs) and face mask/face shielding components will be primary goals.

Rachim said the advantages of Algaeing's technologies often align with Avgol's demand for more easily recyclable and biodegradable materials. Polyolefins are future-proof resins because they have an organic colorant that can be discarded during the recycling process that has no toxic effects when released into the atmosphere if biodegraded.