Thanks to incorporation of the additive during the spinning process, the hydrophobic effect is durable and cannot be washed out.Olea fibres are suitable for demanding hygiene and food applications as the additive is FDA approved. At the same time, Kelheim Fibres is testing Olea for textile applications. The unique combination of hydrophobic properties and the typical excellent moisture management and wearer comfort of viscose fibres are very promising, especially for sportswear and other functional textile applications, according to the company.In contrast to other methods of creating hydrophobic properties, Kelheim has been able to maintain the typical properties of the viscose fibre by incorporating the hydrophobicity in the fibre matrix itself."Olea is an environmentally friendly alternative for the cover- and back-sheets of hygiene products - for example nappies, sanitary towels or incontinence pads: In order to protect the wearer's skin, these sheets need to remain dry while they facilitate the transport of liquid away from the skin", says Dr. Philipp Wimmer from Kelheim's R&D team.Kelheim's range of viscose specialities now covers the two poles of absorbency performance - from the hydrophobic Olea fibre to viscose fibres with water retention up to more than 400% - and so offers a comprehensive choice for the nonwovens industry.