Materials from Freudenberg Nonwoven set global standards in the adsorptives segment. The company has three production plants in the UK. Littleborough is the most recently established, with about 30 associates. Facilities at the plant cover all stages in the production of activated carbon materials and filters: coating, laminating conversion and finishing. These adsorptive materials have many applications for odour control including medical and ostomy products. "Ostomy products considerably enhance the quality of life of stoma patients," explains Dr. Heneric, responsible for the activated carbon filter business segment.
The medical sector is not the only application area for Freudenberg's adsorptive products. Materials from Freudenberg are also used in protective clothing such as Chemical and Biological personal protective equipment, air purification filters and odor control applications which include but are not limited to footwear, pet products, household deodorization products and specialist performance clothing. Liquid purification to remove contaminants is a new market segment for the business which is being developed currently. All adsorptive materials are subjected to thorough performance testing as part of ongoing research and development and subsequently this continues during production. Freudenberg products surpass the most stringent of needs in many diverse applications thanks to its long-term experience with all flexible materials and nonwoven textiles.
Following ground breaking in 2008 and the start of production in 2009, the Littleborough plant has achieved outstanding progress every year. "We are continually investing in the latest manufacturing technology and laboratory equipment to make sure that we are well-positioned for the future," says Andrew Fisher, representing the adsorptives business in the UK.
Freudenberg Nonwovens in the UK
The Freudenberg Nonwovens Business Group has been active in the UK, where it now employs almost 120 associates, since the 1950s. Nonwovens for hygiene applications, battery separators and adsorptives are produced at three plants in Swindon, Halifax and Littleborough.
Freudenberg Nonwovens
Freudenberg Nonwovens is the world's largest producer of nonwovens, with 21 manufacturing and processing sites in 13 countries. The company manufactures interlinings for the apparel industry and nonwovens for the following markets: Energy, Automotive Interiors, Hygiene, Medical, Building Interiors, Geotextiles and Specialties. In 2011, the Freudenberg Nonwovens Business Group generated sales of over 660 million euros with a workforce of 3,150. Freudenberg Nonwovens is part of the Freudenberg Group. More at www.freudenberg-nw.de