Suominen's Hydraspun® Dispersible Substrate passes GD3 flushability tests and company further expands Hydraspun supply

Helsinki, Finland, 2014-03-18 09:30 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Suominen Corporation   Press release   18 March 2014 at 10.30 EET

SUOMINEN’S HYDRASPUN® DISPERSIBLE SUBSTRATE PASSES GD3 FLUSHABILITY TESTS AND COMPANY FURTHER EXPANDS HYDRASPUN SUPPLY

Suominen, a leading global supplier of nonwovens, is pleased to inform its global customers that its advanced, patented Hydraspun Dispersible substrate has passed the 3rd edition flushability assessment test protocol. This protocol was introduced last year under a joint INDA/EDANA industry initiative which allows products to claim flushability in wastewater systems. INDA and EDANA are the North American and European nonwovens industry trade associations.

As a pioneer in flushable products, Suominen developed its Hydraspun Dispersible substrate material to create a wipe product which could be safely flushed. Kyra Dorsey, PhD, Product Manager notes that “Since the late 1990’s, when Hydraspun Dispersible products were invented, improved dispersibility of flushable wipes has been very high on Suominen’s innovation agenda. Our knowledge of fiber science, understanding the expectations of the wastewater industry as well as being a partner in our customers’ successes are the building blocks which allow Suominen to lead the market and continuously improve its Hydraspun Dispersible products.”

Additionally, and further to the earlier announced investment to increase the manufacturing capacity of Hydraspun in the USA, the company is adding further Hydraspun supply in Europe. The investment in the USA is currently running on schedule for initiation of on-time commercial sales of increased Hydraspun supply in April this year.

The increased supply in Europe results from expanded manufacturing co-operation with Ahlstrom Corporation’s Ställdalen plant in Sweden.

Timo Hiekkaranta, SVP Convenience Business Area commented “Keeping up with demand for flushable wipe materials from our customers is an important priority for us. In adding further supply for Hydraspun dispersible substrates in Europe, over and above our investment in the USA, we are effectively increasing our available supply to them by more than 25%.”

Saara Söderberg, VP Marketing & Product Management, added “We in Suominen aim to respond quickly to our customers and their consumers’ needs. The growing global demand for products like moist toilet wipes means that we have to look at constant product improvements both now and into the future. Passing the GD3 testing means we can continue to supply proven flushable substrates as the long-standing leader in this market.”

Steve Ogle, Director of Technical Affairs at INDA stated, “Our nonwoven industry continues to create products that make our lives healthier and more convenient. Wet wipes like; moist toilet wipes, baby wipes, and personal care wipes are great examples of the industry’s consumer focused innovation. INDA, along with our partner association EDANA, has produced a Code of Practice for the proper labeling of wipes products.  For manufacturers wanting to label a product as “flushable”, the product should be evaluated via the “Guidance Document for assessing the Flushability of Nonwoven Consumer Products” and pass all seven tests.”

For more information, please contact:
Kyra Dorsey, Product Manager on kyra.dorsey@suominencorp.com  or
Timo Hiekkaranta, SVP, Convenience on timo.hiekkaranta@suominencorp.com


Suominen in brief

Suominen supplies its industrial and retail customers with nonwovens and flexible packaging for use in consumer products worldwide. Suominen is the global market leader in nonwovens for wipes. The company employs more than 1,000 people in Europe and the Americas. Suominen’s net sales in 2013 amounted to MEUR 433.1 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items was MEUR 18.3 (continuing operations). The Suominen share (SUY1V) is listed in NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Stock Exchange. Read more at www.suominen.fi.