The six nominees are:
- Bast Fibre Tech (Canada): Compostable fibre products from agricultural hemp and flax waste.
Using biogenic waste from the production of fast-growing crops instead of using wood or fossil resources is environmentally and economically more sustainable. Applications for the obtained fibre with moisture absorbing properties are for example toilet paper and recyclable, thus flushable cleaning wipes. More information: www.bastfibretech.com - Empa – Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Switzerland): Cellulose nanofiber assisted biomimetic aerogels for EMI shielding
Empa researchers combined cellulose-based aerogels with silver nanowires. The flexible composite blocks high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, which is traditionally achieved by using inflexible metal sheets or metallized foils. This ultra-light electromagnetic shielding material can be used to protect electronic components or the transmission of signals from electromagnetic fields caused by neighbouring electronic devices or motors. More information: www.empa.ch/web/s604/cellulose-emi-shielding - Kelheim Fibres (Germany): Plastic-free absorbent hygiene products
Kelheim Fibres developed plant-based fibre solutions for absorbent hygiene products (AHP). These comprise speciality fibres for single layers with different functionalities. These biodegradable and sustainably manufactured fibres enable the replacement of plastic fibres without a loss of performance. The material has the potential to be used also for the production of textiles, such as reusable menstrual underwear. First commercial end-products are intended to be launched in 2021. More information: www.kelheim-fibres.com - Metsä Spring (Finland): Textile fibre based on paper grade pulp
The Metsä Group is developing a more energy-efficient process based on a new solvent family to produce Man-Made Cellulosic Fibre (MMCF). Using ionic liquids, the MMCF can be produced from paper-grade pulp, avoiding the use of energy-intensive dissolving pulp. MMCF, such as viscose, lyocell or Modal(R), are important fibres for the textile industry. More information: www.metsaspring.com/project/textile-fibre-from-paper-grade-pulp - OrganicDisposables (Poland): FibriTech – a porous and light material from cellulose for soilless farming
FibriTech is a new process for the production of porous and light material from cellulose and lignocellulose. A mixture of fibres can be used, including waste and recycled fibres. Desired properties are derived by the application of bio-additives. The resulting material can be used as a natural soilless substrate with favourable properties for both plants and soilless farming systems. Other possible applications are thermal and sound insulators and air filters. More information: www.fibri.tech - Stora Enso (Sweden): Cellulose-based Foam by Stora Enso – a lightweight cellulose-based foam for packaging
Cellulose-based Foam by Stora Enso is a lightweight foam material made from cellulose. The foam has comparable shock-absorbing and insulating properties as expanded polystyrene or polyethylene, whilst being bio-based, biodegradable, compostable and recyclable in ordinary paper recycling. More information: www.cellutech.se/cellulose-based-foam.html
The “2nd International Conference on Cellulose Fibres” will cover the entire value chain from lignocellulosic feedstock, dissolving pulp, cellulose fibres – such as rayon, viscose, Modal(R) lyocell or new developments – to a wide range of applications, woven textiles (clothing) and non-wovens (wipes and technical applications). All these sectors have significantly gained momentum over the last few years.
Image: Henri Koskinen/Shutterstock
