US producer of nonwovens Polymer Group, Inc. (PGI) has unveiled its new Spinlace materials at IDEA07 in Florida, a new category of fabrics that are said to represent the first in a new generation of nonwoven technologies.

In order to make Spinlace fabrics, PGI developed a manufacturing process that incorporates continuous filament with hydroentanglement and eliminates the carding step, which is said to result in stronger and more absorbent materials at lower weights which are produced in a more cost effective way.

Commenting on the new development, Mike Hale, vice president and general manager, USA and Europe, said, "PGI began working on this completely new category of engineered materials several years ago in response to anticipated needs of our customers,” adding, "This new line is the first generation of technology that will serve as a platform for PGI's future growth in the nonwovens market. We are working to combine a series of technologies that result in an extremely robust process that can meet a variety of customer needs for product characteristics. These materials are capable of being used in a wide range of applications."