Quimicolor Launches First Spunlace Production Facility in Colombia with ANDRITZ Technology

Quimicolor Launches First Spunlace Production Facility in Colombia with ANDRITZ Technology

(IN BRIEF) Quimicolor has opened the first spunlace production facility in Colombia with the support of ANDRITZ technology, marking a major step forward in local manufacturing. The new facility, located in Guarne, can produce 10,000 tons of nonwoven material annually, helping to reduce imports from Asia and lower the company’s carbon footprint. The project, initiated during the pandemic, strengthens Quimicolor’s position in Latin America’s hygiene and skincare product market and contributes to local job creation and reindustrialization efforts.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRAZ, 18-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Quimicolor has inaugurated its state-of-the-art spunlace factory in Guarne, Colombia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth and innovation journey. The facility, officially opened on August 9, 2024, is the first of its kind in South America outside of Brazil and was realized with cutting-edge technology from ANDRITZ.

The new facility covers 2,600 square meters and is equipped with a high-speed TT card, enabling Quimicolor to produce 10,000 tons of nonwoven material per year. This installation not only expands the company’s production capacity but also represents its commitment to sustainable practices and vertical integration. The decision to establish this facility was driven by the supply chain disruptions experienced during the pandemic, with financial backing from Bpifrance, the French public investment bank.

Quimicolor, already a key player in converting nonwoven materials for hygiene, skincare, and household products, now integrates nonwoven roll production directly into its operations. This vertical integration reduces the need for imported nonwoven materials, particularly from Asia, and aligns with the company’s sustainability goals by cutting down on the carbon footprint associated with international shipping.

Antonio Mendivil, CEO of Quimicolor, highlighted the importance of this new venture, stating: “This investment allows us to not only expand our production capabilities but also contribute to local reindustrialization efforts, supporting job creation and reducing our environmental impact. By producing our own nonwoven rolls, we are also enhancing our operational efficiency and sustainability.”

This new development underscores Quimicolor’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its leadership position in the Latin American market. By leveraging ANDRITZ’s world-class technology, the company is poised to meet the growing demand for high-quality nonwoven materials across the region.

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydropower and Environment & Energy. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 30,000 employees and over 280 locations in more than 80 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

Media Contact:

Susan Trast
HEAD OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
susan.trast@andritz.com

SOURCE: ANDRITZ