Interview with Susan Stansbury

Converting is the transformation of mill rolls of paper, tissue, films, nonwovens and combinations of substrates into smaller rolls, sheets, folded products, coated and printed products, laminated multi-layered materials and so much more. Therefore, there are the basic steps like slitting and sheeting, which are initial conversions and then the more sophisticated converting steps like laminating, printing and folding, which are often done in-line or at least in the same factory. In addition, there are conversions like making tapes, labels, disposable hospital gowns and wet wipes in many markets. So the forecast for converting can range from just 2% to 5% (such as wet wipes) and more than 5% in certain niche and value-added markets. Moreover, the level of mature and emerging markets around the world affects the grown rate. So, mature markets in North America, Western Europe and Japan for wipes, for example, may have a much lower growth rate than in emerging markets around the world. For example, , incontinence products, still accounted for 7-8% of global value sales of hygiene products in 2010; so there is a lot of room for growth in emerging markets. Eastern Europe, India, China, Russia and certain South American countries are experiencing strong growth rates for converted disposable products.

Newer applications will occur as nonwovens materials offer more options that are economical. Nonwovens address sophisticated needs such as surgical gowns and products requiring specifications for regulatory compliance will see more advances. Moreover, on the green side, nonwovens will become more truly compostable, flushable and offer end-of-life disposable advantages.

India benefits by its skilled, knowledgeable workforce. Converters in India are able to compete on a full range of products, from basic nonwovens disposables to products with additives that offer benefits to consumers, industry and other markets. In addition, the growing consumer-buyers on both the household and the business-to-business side means that prospect are excellent for steady growth of converted products.

Bottlenecks include some inefficiency in the supply chain in certain regions, which need to develop. The other major issue is economical alternatives to major branded products. Moreover, most of the converters go through typical start-up issues.

Our organization, Converting Influence will present its fifth Converters Expo on 1st March to display converter products and skills, along with equipment and other allied suppliers. The location is Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA. And this is the peak place in the nation for converting goods. The Theme of this Expo is centered on efficiency and solutions.