This expansion naturally boosted the size, shape and inter-trade strength of the EU’s nonwovens industry, with new companies ranging from a diaper manufacturer in Cyprus to the formerly state-owned production centres of the ex-Soviet Bloc countries.
Cyprus and Malta, by far the smallest of the ten new countries which joined the EU six years ago, are both popular European tourist destinations With a population of 775,927, Cyprus, in the Mediterranean to the south of Turkey, is the home of Linette, a significant player in baby and adult diapers for both the branded and private label markets. Established in 1984 in Nicosia, Linette’s plant in Cyprus operates two production lines. The total production capacity for baby diapers is 90 million pieces per year and for adult diapers 30 million pieces per year.
Linette’s ‘Nannys’ baby diapers have a 45% share of the Cyprus market, whereas ‘Tender’ adult diapers is the leader with 90% share. The same success is shared by the company’s other products which include baby wipes and maternity pads.
Also in Cyprus is Amelco Industries in Nicosia, which manufactures thermal bonded polyester waddings for bedding, furniture and apparel, as well as being a filter producer.
Meanwhile, since the mid-1980s, Malta, with a population of 396,000, has become a freight trans-shipment point and financial centre as well as being a major tourist destination. The Mediterranean island is home to a manufacturer of medical disposables, Medisan, and its capital Valetta was also the location for the last EDANA Outlook conference in 2009.
