PGI Center for Excellence to focus on nonwovens

The Polymer Group Inc. (PGI) facility in Suzhou, China, becomes the newest regional Center for Excellence (COE) in PGI’s research and development efforts to develop new technologies to improve nonwoven materials used for health care, hygiene and industrial markets. The focus of research efforts will be aspects of spun-melt polymer fabric performance that could be improved: barrier ability, opacity, breathability, softness and comfort, among others. The COE will support the company’s expansion into Asia and the U.S. with new lines and proprietary technologies, some of which PGI hopes will be commercially available in mid-2011. PGI operates 15 manufacturing and converting facilities in nine countries throughout the world.