Saudi petrochemicals group Sabic (Riyadh; www.sabic.com) has launched the first grade of a new family of high-flow PP resin compounds that offer improved properties in melt-blown fibres for nonwoven fabrics. "PP 514M12" is a phthalate-free and odour-free material that offers very good processing ability. Sabic said the resulting nonwovens combine high-barrier properties and absorption – which have been illustrated in hydrostatic head tests – with breathability in thin and lightweight high-performance webs that display enhanced conformability and consume less material.

The resin potentially has a range of uses in personal hygiene products, such as diapers and sanitary pads, as well as in other market segments. It can also be used as a base resin for colour masterbatches. The polymer, which is supplied as regular pellets, can also be tailored to specific customer and application needs. It is expected to be commercially available by the end of 2018.