Flushable Wipes From Tree Branches

Date:16 oct 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Application

• Development of eco-friendly, biodegradable nonwoven materials for wipes, sanitary products, and packaging to comply with EU sustainability regulations.
• Use of wood-based and bio-based fibers in textiles to reduce plastic dependency and minimize environmental impact.

Description

The project explores the use of wood-based and bio-based materials to replace plastics in nonwoven textiles, driven by EU regulations like the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). It focuses on developing sustainable alternatives for products such as wipes, sanitary items, and packaging. Key advancements include biodegradable fibers from wood pulp, lyocell, and cellulose derivatives. These innovations aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product performance.

Pathway Description:

The project uses bio-based and recycled raw materials, primarily focusing on wood pulp and cellulose fibers. It involves processes like wet-laying, carding, and hydroentangling to create nonwoven fabrics. These techniques enable the production of biodegradable, eco-friendly fibers. Additionally, cellulose-based fibers are being developed through methods like pulping and chemical treatments to replace synthetic materials.