Nonwoven innovations for many applications -
Ziegler will exhibit at the Index for the first time

Achern, February 1, 2008

The nonwovens manufacturer J. H. Ziegler experienced very strong growth at its two sites in Germany and Hungary - primarily due to its numerous innovative products. Major investments in the last two years have enabled Ziegler to significantly expand its product portfolio for applications in the automotive, furniture and general industries. Ziegler invested close to half its annual turnover in new nonwovens facilities and in extending its customising activities. This benefits customers from all industrial sectors because nonwovens and customised products are now available from a single source for an ever increasing number of applications.

As a consequence of the numerous novelties, Ziegler has decided to exhibit for the first time at the world's largest nonwovens trade fair, Index, held in Geneva from 15 to 18 April 2008. Everyone will have a chance to see the new product portfolio.

Automotive industry:

Innovations include novel HACOflex® foam/nonwoven composites for seats, which avoid wrinkling in leather upholstery, in particular. A novel fibre mixture significantly improves the compression recovery of seat padding - important for long-term and consistent comfort.

Nonwovens for insulating applications that have a greatly improved quality are now available thanks to new processing equipment and technical advancements. Statistical studies were used to develop very lightweight products that are excellent value for money.

The first, very lightweight insulating materials based on renewable resources have been developed. They are fully compliant with the requirements of the automotive industry with respect to absorption values, fire behaviour, odour as well as emissions and fogging values.

Investments were made in the customising sections of all business divisions. Ziegler, a specialist nonwovens manufacturer, now offers customised products for all business sectors.

Furniture industry:

Our research and development is focusing on the new plant in Hungary, where local manufacture brings clear advantages for the furniture industry. The logistics centre in Hungary can supply expanding markets in the surrounding countries both quickly and reliably with German quality and technology.

From the technical point of view, development focused on HACOsoft® nonwovens made of renewable resources as well as novel nonwoven/foam composites.

General industry:

HACOloft® coarse fibre nonwovens were successfully developed for numerous applications in this sector. Ziegler is now able to provide commercial quantities of nonwovens with a fibre titre of well over 200dtex. Application areas include the plastics industry, e.g. grinding applications.

Furthermore, compostable products made of renewable resources have been developed for agricultural applications.

Marketing:

This dazzling display of new products is accompanied by a novel marketing campaign. "Zinno" - which stands for "Ziegler innovative" - will present the most important properties of Ziegler's nonwovens in an animated cartoon clip. Zinno will also present the individual business units at the trade show booth.

Come and visit us at Booth 1062, directly opposite the "Exhibitors Presentation Forum".