Mondi Adapts Production Line in Germany to Make Components for Face Masks
Mondi's Gronau plant was able to quickly adapt one of its manufacturing lines to produce a three-layer, laminated strap that binds a stretchable plastic film between layers of soft, nonwoven material.
April 3, 2020 - Mondi announced that its Personal Care Components team has found a way to convert a production line at its Gronau plant in Germany to manufacture soft, elastic straps which are now being used for face masks and used by medical professionals and consumers globally. According to Mondi, its Gronau plant typically focuses on making materials used in hygiene products such baby diapers, adult incontinence pads and feminine care items. However, the plant was able to quickly adapt one of its manufacturing lines to produce a three-layer, laminated strap that binds a stretchable plastic film between layers of soft, nonwoven material. The straps, which Mondi supplies to its mask-making customers on a reel, are then cut and attached to each side of a mask, which can loop comfortably over the user's ears to hold the mask in place. This elastic material replaces a rubberised band that holds the mask to the face, thereby increasing operational speed of the machines in comparison to rubber which is slower. "Mondi Gronau is working to provide straps that will fit more than one billion nonwoven face masks," said Dr. Michael Trinkaus, director of R&D and application engineering for Mondi's Personal Care Components division. "As there is increasing demand for such types of face masks, we are building up our capability to meet this demand. By producing this soft elastic strap we are able to produce more volume to meet growing demand." Mondi Gronau extrudes the plastic film in strictly controlled, hygienic conditions, before applying an adhesive and the nonwoven layers to either side of it. In a final step the multilayer laminate is then put through a "ring-rolling" process, by which the material is stretched between two rollers with "tooth rings," thereby activating the elastic properties of the material without causing any damage to it. About Mondi Personal Care ComponentsMondi Personal Care Components is a global leading supplier of elastic and nonwoven solutions for the hygiene industry, offering comprehensive baby care, adult incontinence, feminine care, and nonwoven materials. For further information visit: www.mondigroup.com. SOURCE: Mondi |