The Danish Fibertex Personal Care Group is consolidating its position as supplier for the hygiene industry by setting up two production lines – a speciality nonwovens line in Malaysia and a print line in the US. The lines, expected to start in the second half of 202, will increase the capacity in the respective business areas by more than 10 per cent.
“Both of our business areas – nonwovens and print on nonwovens – are experiencing an increase in demand for speciality products and services. We have a strong position in these markets due to our portfolio. Combined with a steady growth in the Asian market, rising demand for print in the American market, and a changed market dynamic caused by COVID-19 makes the timing of the expansions just right,” explains Group CEO Mikael Staal Axelsen, Fibertex Personal Care.
Due to increased wealth and growth in the Asian middle-class segment, the market in Asia is showing an annual growth rate of approximately 10 per cent. This is leading to an increased demand for speciality nonwovens for baby diapers, sanitary napkins and adult incontinence care products.
“Our focus on offering the customers a broad selection of speciality products and services continues to be a high priority for our business – and as the leading nonwovens manufacturer in Asia, we will continue to invest in increasing capacity at our Malaysian site,” says Axelsen.
In the US, Fibertex Personal Care is experiencing an increased demand for print on nonwovens. The company was first on the market to offer print directly on lightweight nonwovens for the hygiene industry. It has established print lines in Germany, Malaysia and recently in the US. Today, Fibertex Personal Care is the global market leader in this field.
“The introduction of print production in the US three years ago was an important strategic milestone for us, and as expected the market now demands new capacity. This gives us the opportunity to engage in more development projects with our customers. We have the skills and soon the capacity,” says Axelsen.
Fibertex Personal Care is owned by the industrial conglomerate Schouw & Co. President Jens Bjerg Sørensen, Schouw & Co, adds: The ability to make investments in business areas with great potential – at the right time – is something we have worked with for many years. In our experience, continued investments in speciality products, differentiation, and global presence lead to the best results in the long run.”
