Freudenberg Nonwovens CEO outlines new strategic course

In keeping with its motto “The Solution Engineers – Wherever you are”, Freudenberg Nonwovens presented its broad spectrum of product innovations in all market segments, from the latest generation of Viledon  battery separators and the steady stream of new applications for Evolon  microfilament technology to the new Vildona  Airliner 2.0 in the footwear industry.

Megatrends such as urbanization and energy storage motivate and drive developers at Freudenberg Nonwovens. Dr. Christoph Weber, Head of Separator R&D Department at Freudenberg Nonwovens, presented the company’s solutions for high-performance batteries in the shape of the latest development in separators for Lithium-ion batteries: “This is an ultrathin nonwoven with a special surface coating which outperforms conventional separator materials especially in terms of thermal and mechanical stability. These Vildeon separators provide the needed improvements in battery technology that play a key role in the safety, reliability and service life of large Lithium-ion batteries for emerging mobile and stationary applications.”

12 years after Evolon microfilament technology was launched, Freudenberg Nonwovens is investing some €5 million in expanding production capacity at the plant in Colmar, France. From the end of October production will be raised to 3,000 tonnes/year.

Jean-François Kerhault, Business Section Manager Evolon , presented the numerous applications and versatile properties of Evolon  at the press conference. Evolon  is a revolutionary chemical free fabric for anti allergy bedding, the microfilament structure provides outstanding cleaning and lint free properties which makes Evolon a perfect cloth for high-tech wiping, the scratch free characteristics of the fabric offer the best surface protection for the transport of sensitive parts like for example in the automotive or electronic industry.

The latest applications relate to LCD wet wipes, sport & bath towels or eco-friendly printing media; banners at the exhibition booth provided a good demonstration of Evolon’s performance as a printing substrate. Evolon’s features can be enhanced by all traditional textile finishing processes.

With 300 times more breathability than conventional membranes, Vildona Airliner 2.0 has exceeded all expectations as a shoe insole. The technology is based on a substrate, in this case a spunlace nonwoven, in which a superabsorbent polymer is anchored using a chemical reaction.

At the same time as Techtextil was taking place, an agreement to cooperate with a leading Turkish brand Greyder , as an addition to the existing technology partnership with the Deichmann Group, was concluded. And that is just the beginning: “Other major brands are also extremely interested in this revolutionary shoe technology,” Simon Browne, who is responsible for the shoe business in Europe, said.

Freudenberg Nonwovens gives priority to a dialogue with customers.

That was confirmed by excellent attendance at the exhibition booth. “An intensive dialogue with customers from all world market regions is the key to our success. This comprehensive exchange generates a succession of new solutions,” Bruce Olson, CEO Freudenberg Nonwovens, commented.

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