Nonwoven roll goods for wet wipes converters
A wipes converter is buying running behaviour as much as fabric. The specification that works on one line can break on the next, which is why trial rolls exist.
At a glance
Specification at a glance
| Requirement | Typical specification | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Basis weight | 40 to 90 gsm depending on format | Weight drift across the width |
| Fibre blend | Viscose, polyester, pulp blends | Blend change alters bonding |
| Lint | Low lint for personal care | Lint shows up only after wetting |
| Wet strength | Must suit the folding and packing | Too strong resists tearing at the pack |
| Emboss | Dot, mesh or logo pattern | Pattern depth per weight |
| Roll | Width, diameter and splice limit | Splices stop the line |
Start from the wipe, not the fabric
Wipe size, fold format, pack count and lotion load determine the weight and the strength the converter needs. A 60 gsm fabric that works for a 20 by 15 cm wipe in a 80 sheet pack is not automatically right for a thicker pop up pack.
Send the format and the line speed. Those two numbers change the recommendation more than any other pair.
Lint is the property buyers underestimate
Lint does not show on a dry sample. It appears after wetting and during folding, which is why a sample that looks perfect can fail the first production run. Pulp containing blends are more prone to it than all synthetic blends.
If your product is used on skin or on optical surfaces, put a lint level in the specification and test it wet.
Lotion loading and wet strength
Lotion chemistry affects how fast the fabric wets out and how the pack behaves in storage. Some surfactants reduce wet strength noticeably on certain blends. If you are changing lotion, retest the fabric rather than assuming the previous grade still fits.
Tell us the lotion type at enquiry stage. It is one of the few things that can be screened before a trial roll.
Send the wipe format and line speed
Format, weight, blend preference and monthly volume give us enough to propose a grade.
Questions
Common questions
What gsm do baby wipes use?
Most baby wipes run between 40 and 70 gsm. The exact weight comes from the wipe size, the lotion load and the strength the converter needs.
Can you supply embossed patterns?
Yes, on selected grades. Pattern depth and definition depend on the weight, so the pattern is confirmed with the sample.
Do you supply the wet wipes themselves?
We supply the roll goods. Converting, wetting and packing are quoted separately and only for the plant that performs them.
How much does a trial roll cost?
It is quoted as a paid batch at production width so the trial matches the bulk order. Freight is separate.