Kruger Canada invests US$333 million to enter the nonwovens market
The initiative will incorporate state-of-the-art technology to meet growing demand for sustainable materials in the hygiene market
Kruger Inc. has announced a US$333 million investment to enter the nonwovens market through the creation of Kruger Nonwovens, a new division dedicated to manufacturing sustainable materials for wet wipes.
The project includes the construction of a production facility in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, adjacent to the company’s Wayagamack paper mill. The site will house an Andritz Wetlace production line, the first of its kind in Canada, designed to manufacture nonwoven substrates for a wide range of hygiene and cleaning applications.
According to the company, the investment is part of its long-term diversification strategy and aims to expand its presence in markets with strong growth potential while leveraging its expertise in fibers and wet-laid manufacturing technologies.
Kruger’s entry into the wet wipes segment follows several years of market analysis and product development. The company noted that the global wet wipes market is valued at approximately US$25 billion and offers significant opportunities driven by increasing demand for sustainable alternatives.
The Wetlace technology combines wet-laid and dry-laid processes to produce high-performance nonwoven materials. Kruger Nonwovens’ products will be manufactured using natural fibers, primarily sourced from responsibly managed forests, without plastic fibers or chemical binders.
The company stated that the new substrates will be biodegradable and compostable, supporting market trends focused on reducing plastic consumption and improving the environmental profile of disposable hygiene products.
Before selecting Andritz’s technology, Kruger evaluated multiple manufacturing solutions, focusing on product performance and the ability to deliver environmentally responsible materials without compromising quality. The company highlighted that the similarities between traditional papermaking processes and Wetlace technology will facilitate the operation of the new production line.
In addition to sustainability, Kruger identified opportunities related to supply chain resilience and growing customer demand for differentiated products. The company indicated that its competitive strategy will be based on innovation, product performance and quality rather than competing solely on price against lower-cost international suppliers.
With this investment, Kruger aims to establish a new business platform aligned with global sustainability trends and strengthen its position in the growing nonwovens sector for hygiene and cleaning applications.
