Technical Absorbents Ltd

We have been leading the way in the development and manufacture of Super Absorbent Fibre (SAFTM) for nearly three decades, and, more recently, SAFTM fabrics and SAFTM spun yarns. Supplying solutions globally, innovation is key and we continue to design new technologies to meet the specific requirements of our growing customer base. Applications for our products span numerous market sectors, including: Healthcare (medical and hygiene); Industrial (filtration and cable); Food (packaging); Environmental (horticulture).

Collaboration is essential and our Product Development team work extremely closely with customers during every step of the process from the initial brief to end product delivery. 

We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of fibres,  fabrics (disposable and washable) and yarns to cater for customers at different stages of the supply chain. Current fabrics include airlaid, needlefelts, thermo-carded, air through carded and nets. Fabrics containing up to 100% SAFTM are available and all can be manufactured using High Gel Strength or Low Shrink fibres if needed for a particular application. 

  1. Oekotex 100 Certification Secured by Technical Absorbents
    6 January 2023

    Over the past 12-months, the washable superabsorbent fabrics manufactured by Technical Absorbents Ltd (TAL) have become increasingly popular within the reusable hygiene market. During that time, not only has TAL received a huge amount interest from companies looking to create new, or improve their current range of, period and incontinence products, it has achieved Oekotex certification for its washable fabric technology offering.  

    TAL has been developing its washable superabsorbent fabric product offering for some time – with further innovative grades in the final stages of validation for launch later this year. The fabrics, a blend of its own Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF) and other components – have been engineered for use as the absorbent core in reusable hygiene garments. Once integrated within the final product, they provide elevated levels of absorption and retention so that the wearer can go about their daily life with confidence.

    “With the reusable period and incontinence sector experiencing significant growth, next step for our superabsorbent washable fabrics was to strive for Oekotex Certification,” explains TAL Product Development Director John Rose.

    “This has now been achieved for the main fabric we currently sell into this sector, and we are delighted to be able to use the Oekotex 100 mark on this grade moving forward. The fabric was tested under Product Class 1 – this class includes products for babies and has the strictest requirements and limit values.  

    “All of our washable fabrics contain the same individual components and so we can now assure our customers that they shouldn’t encounter any issues should they need to get their final products tested. All individual components were evaluated to the Oekotex 100 certification.”

    Later this year, TAL will bring to market its next generation of washable grades. If you would like to be one of the first to receive more details and a free sample, email washable@exploreSAF.com and register your interest.

     Oekotex 100 Certification Secured by Technical Absorbents
  2. New Online Shop for Superabsorbent Samples
    22 February 2021

    Technical Absorbents, manufacturer of Super Absorbent Fibre (SAFTM), nonwoven fabrics and yarns, has recently launched the next generation of its online sample shop which can be found at http://shop.techabsorbents.com. The company first introduced an ecommerce facility back in 2015 to provide prospective customers with a clearer/more concise overview of its product portfolio, while also making it easier to buy small samples for initial trials/testing.

    The shop has been designed to flow seamlessly from the company’s main website and allow visitors to search for samples by product type and market sector.

    “In developing the new sample site it was important for us to look at it from the visitors’ perspective,” explains General Manager Mike Parkington. “In some instances, our technology is new to people. To make the navigation easy, and allow them to find the most suitable products, was the key priority.”

    The shop is home to samples of SAFTM, SAFTM Fabrics and SAFTM Yarns. Visitors can drill down further by fabric type and can also use a set of filter parameters to help them find what they are looking for.

    “We have a very diverse customer base,” continues Mike, “from companies large and small – multinationals to start-ups. People looking for samples can be R&D Specialists, New Product Development personnel, Procurement Managers, Product Designers, even Owners and Managing Directors. Some will know exactly what they want, others will be trying to work that out as they search. The simpler we can make the whole process the better.

    “Selling online was a huge leap for Technical Absorbents but one that has really added value over the past few years. Having products listed on the internet for people to view and buy has really stimulated interest in our growing portfolio of superabsorbent products. It really does make it easier for prospective customers to access information, understand the capabilities of our technology and speed up initial material selection.”

    Samples can be purchased from the website in GBP, Dollars and Euros and shipped globally. Technical advice can be provided beforehand if required. Upon receipt of samples, customers are offered technical advice/support if this is required.

    New Online Shop for Superabsorbent Samples
  3. Eliminating EtO issues with Low Shrink SAF Fabrics
    10 August 2020

    Technical Absorbents Limited (TAL) has developed a new grade of superabsorbent fibre (SAF) specifically for use within a new range of SAF fabrics that are more resistant to shrinkage.

    The new SAF was developed in response to the demand from the medical industry for a superabsorbent fabric suitable for use in advanced wound pad dressings. The fibre had to be capable of withstanding the moisture used in the EtO sterilization process that is frequently employed in the production of the pads, in order to ensure product safety and compliance.

    EtO sterilization is a low-temperature process (typically between 37 and 63°C) that uses ethylene oxide gas to reduce the level of infectious agents. While generally applied in gas form, however, the EtO is usually mixed with other substances – and often steam.

    “Obviously superabsorbents and moisture generally aren’t a good combination at this stage in processing and can cause problems,” says TAL Product Development Director Dr Mark Paterson. “Other methods can be used, but when silicone materials are included, which is more frequently becoming the case, EtO is the preferred treatment method. Regular SAF grades tend to shrink a little and can become hard, which is often not desirable. This innovative SAF grade significantly reduces such potential problems.”

    The amount of shrinkage caused by EtO sterilization depends very much on the product design and construction, he adds, but in general, the new SAF has been tested and proven to reduce fabric shrinkage by around 70%. It is suitable for use in all SAF nonwoven formats, whether needlepunched, thermally bonded or airlaid.

    While the proprietary process developed at TAL for the production of this new fibre and resulting fabrics was prompted by the specific requirements of wound pad dressings, TAL sees opportunities for its application in other areas as well.

    “It’s an extremely flexible fibre that can be easily switched with existing SAF grades when manufacturing fabrics and we have a number of current projects in which we’re exploring other end-uses,” Mark concludes. “We believe this new range could also open up entirely new application areas on the market.”

    Eliminating EtO issues with Low Shrink SAF Fabrics
  4. Fabric Focus for SAF™ Manufacturer at INDEX 2020
    7 February 2020

    As it enters the new decade, the development and promotion of its fabric portfolio continues to be the focus of Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF™) manufacturer Technical Absorbents Limited (TAL). At the end of March, the UK-based company will take its latest products – including a new range of superabsorbent fabrics that provide a higher gel strength when wetted – to the INDEX Nonwovens Exhibition in Geneva.

    High Gel Strength (HGS) SAF™ fabrics are a new range from Technical Absorbents that incorporate more robust HGS SAF™ fibres. The fibres have been developed to allow the design and manufacture of materials that offer greater integrity and robustness in more demanding absorbent applications.

    “The fibres are manufactured in-house and can be integrated into its needlefelt and thermo-carded fabrics for added durability," explains Product Development Director Dr Mark Paterson.

    "They provide decreased levels of absorbency compared to standard SAF™ fibres but still high absorbency compared to other available technologies. Resulting fabrics will also absorb less but in certain applications this can be beneficial, e.g. in some washable applications the fabrics durability is more important that its ability to absorb large volumes of liquid.”

    A number of HGS SAF™ nonwovens have already been developed to aid the sampling process for prospective customers. Technical Absorbents can then manufacture bespoke fabrics containing HGS fibres to meet customers’ specific requirements.

    To arrange a meeting at INDEX, or to learn more about its superabsorbent fabric range, email info@exploreSAF.com

     

     

    Fabric Focus for SAF™ Manufacturer at INDEX 2020
  5. Washable Superabsorbent Fabrics at Hygienix
    4 October 2019

    Reusable hygiene products are becoming more widely accepted and, as with disposable items, absorbency is one of the key performance requirements. Technical Absorbents has been developing its superabsorbent SAF™ washable fabric technology with such applications in mind and is now commercially active in this growing market sector. In November, the company will attend Hygienix –The Premier Event for Absorbent Hygiene & Personal Care Markets – and display its washable range at the conference’s table top event.

    The annual four-day event, held at the Hyatt Regency Houston in Texas, will attract global industry players. “This will be the first time we have attended Hygienix but it is very timely,” explains Product Development Director Dr Mark Paterson. “We have been monitoring developments in the reusable hygiene space for some time and over the past couple of years it has definitely been gathering momentum. With this in mind, one of the main focuses of our R&D team has been designing washable fabrics that are suitable for feminine and light incontinence products.

    SAF™ washable fabrics provide the same high levels of absorbency as disposable fabrics but can be washed and re-used. Once in a final fabric construction, studies have indicated modest absorbency loss of 20% after 40 wash cycles.

    “To withstand laundering, our fabrics must be positioned between two outer layers,” continues Mark. “Outer layers can be selected as required to suit product design and functional requirement. However, it is useful for us to understand what a customer is looking to ultimately achieve so that we can offer as much information and guidance as possible during the trial and product development process.”  

    SAF™ washable fabrics range from 190 to 450gsm and are typically a blend of SAF™ and other synthetic fibres. Anti-microbial, flame retardant and anti-odour finishes can also be added during the manufacturing process.

    To learn more about SAF™ washable fabrics, visit exploreSAF.com. To arrange a meeting at Hygienix, email info@exploreSAF.com

    Washable Superabsorbent Fabrics at Hygienix
  6. 100% SAF™ Needlefelt Now Available
    11 September 2018

    Technical Absorbents is excited to announce the launch of a completely unique superabsorbent fabric. The patent-pending 100% SAF™ needlefelt nonwoven has been in development and testing for some time and is now commercially available.

    Superabsorbent SAF™ needlefelt fabrics are already used in many applications and, since the installation of its own line in 2015, Technical Absorbents has created a large portfolio of absorbent fabrics and has supported a number of new product developments. The latest fabric is truly unique and will open up the doors to applications that require a fully maceratable superabsorbent solution.

    “The development of a fabric that contains only SAF™ and no other synthetic, natural or binder fibres is extremely exciting,” explains Product Development Director Dr Mark Paterson. “We are not aware of anyone else that can manufacture such a fabric and this opens up the opportunity for new product forms. There is no other 100% superabsorbent fabric currently available.”

    “We particularly see a potential for its use in spill capture products, such as those used in hospitals to contain bloods, urines and other liquids that need to be managed safely, hygienically and effectively.”

    The 2m wide needlefelt line can produce absorbent fabrics in basis weights from 130 to 1000gsm. To help protect the fibre during processing, the line is housed in a controlled humidity environment. Other non-absorbent fabrics can also be manufactured on the line, i.e. 100% polyester. Short order trial runs can also be facilitated where commercially viable.

    “Initially, the line was used for research and development (R&D) as well as making commercial products,” continues Mark. “The first couple of years saw us develop our product range – containing up to 80% SAF™ – which are now used in many different applications from medical to filtration. The new 100% SAF™ fabric is the first of a number of products we have developed as we strive to look for new opportunities for our core SAF™ technology.”

    “Small hand samples of the new fabric are now available via our ecommerce facility and we are also willing to undertake short-order trial runs, where possible, to help support potential customers with development programs.”

    100% SAF™ Needlefelt Now Available
  7. Next Stop for SAF™ – ANEX
    28 March 2018

    It has been a busy start to the year for SAF™ (Super Absorbent Fibre) manufacturer Technical Absorbents and it is now gearing up to exhibit at one of the world’s largest nonwovens exhibitions, ANEX. The three day event will take place in Tokyo between 6-8th June 2018 and the company is inviting people to explore SAF™ on its stand 534.

    ANEX is organised by the Asian Nonwoven Fabrics Association in conjunction with nonwovens associations across Asia and is held every three years. It is an important event for Technical Absorbents, which is owned by China National Bluestar (Group) Co, Ltd., and a valuable platform to help raise awareness of its SAF™ technology in the Asian markets.

    “This event is an ideal opportunity for us to educate the region’s growing nonwovens industry about the benefits of SAF™ fibre and fabrics,” explains Commercial Director Paul Rushton.

    At the beginning of 2018, Technical Absorbents unveiled a new look for the SAF™ branding and this will be prevalent on the stand. The team will have with them different SAF™ fibre samples – long and short staple – a selection of SAF™ fabrics, including its latest low basis weight and washable grades, and will also have experts on hand to discuss potential bespoke development projects with visitors.

    “Our new campaign is explore SAF™,” continues Paul Rushton. “We are asking people with an interest in absorbents, or those who work on projects that utilise such technology, to come and learn more about SAF™ while we are at ANEX. SAF™ has different properties to other super absorbents and as such can be handled and processed differently. It may also perform differently and provide additional benefits depending on the nature of the application.”

    To arrange a meeting in advance, please email info@exploreSAF.com

    To learn more, please visit www.exploreSAF.com or call +44(0)1472245200.

    Next Stop for SAF™ – ANEX
  8. Explore New SAF™ Branding
    13 March 2018

    2018 has brought with it new branding for Technical Absorbent’s range of Super Absorbent Fibre (SAFTM) products. The synonym SAF has always been associated with the technology and a new logo has been introduced to help strengthen this and raise further awareness of the innovative technology, across a wide range of industries.

    SAFTM was first manufactured in the early 1990’s. Since then sales have increased year-on-year and the applications in which it is used have diversified. This growth has been supported by the development and sales of nonwoven fabrics and the company has also had significant commercial interest in superabsorbent yarns from different industries.

    “The functionality of our converted products always relate back to the core technology – SAFTM – and this message is something the company is now keen to reinforce,” explains Commercial Director Paul Rushton.

    “To go back to basics and re-focus on the SAFTM brand was a decision we made in early 2017. We are already extremely active from a marketing perspective – globally – but there is a real opportunity to enhance this by building brand equity and making SAFTM synonymous with super absorbency.

    “We started working with our marketing agency on this towards the middle of last year and are delighted with the results. The new logo isn’t far removed from the simple wording that the industries we work in are used to, but a fibre-like flick has been introduced to make it more complete.”

    The logo will now be used as the umbrella brand on all marketing materials for fibre and all converted product offerings, e.g. SAFTM Fabric and SAFTM Yarn. It will also be used when targeting specific markets, e.g. SAFTM Cable, SAFTM Hygiene etc. Used in this way, the brand will be continually reinforced and the same levels of product performance will be associated across the company’s complete portfolio.

    In addition to the new logo, the company has also launched a new marketing campaign which centres on inviting people to explore SAFTM and understand its benefits in given applications. This campaign will evolve as 2018 progresses.

    To learn more, please visit www.exploreSAF.com or email info@exploreSAF.com

    Explore New SAF™ Branding
  9. Explore SAF™ Water-Blocking Benefits
    26 February 2018

    Super Absorbent Fibre (SAFTM) has been used in the cable industry, in spun yarn format, for a number of years. Globally, it has become established as a raw material for water-blocking applications – along with a number of other proven technologies. Its manufacturer – Technical Absorbents – is now working closely with its yarn spinning partners to raise further awareness of ‘dry’ spun SAFTM yarns, help educate the industry about their benefits and ultimately encourage stakeholders to consider the superabsorbent technology when manufacturing or specifying cables.

    Damaged cables can start to take on water. A SAFTM spun yarn will rapidly absorb the water at the point of damage and swell to form a water impermeable barrier, blocking further ingress. Such yarns are cost-effective, lightweight and the absorption rate and swell height can meet specification by selecting the most appropriate fibre grades/blends. 

    “There are potential cost reductions to be made,” explains Commercial Director Paul Rushton. “In some instances, it is possible to just use the one type of SAFTM spun yarn throughout the whole cable. As a result, manufacturers could make some significant savings on water-blocking raw materials and not have to stock-pile different products.”

    The yarns are supplied on bobbins, easy to onward process, require fewer line stops and can be wrapped around or placed along the length of a cable in voids vulnerable to water penetration. As the SAFTM is spun with other staple fibres, the yarns have excellent absorbency profiles and shedding and dusting is limited.

    “We are simply asking the cable industry to trial SAFTM spun yarns,” explains Commercial Director Paul Rushton, “either in conjunction with other water-blocking materials or alone. We can help supply samples and would be keen to talk to anyone interested in learning more.”

    To find out more, visit www.exploreSAF.com/cable or email info@exploreSAF.com

    Explore SAF™ Water-Blocking Benefits

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