From cellulose-based foam for packaging over plastic-free menstrual pads to EMI shielding materials, the nominated six applications can help build a sustainable economy.

For the first time ever, the innovation award “Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year” will be granted to the innovative cellulose fibre industry for the development of new technologies and applications. The election and award ceremony will take place at the 2^nd International Conference on Cellulose Fibres, 2–3 February 2021 (online event).

Cellulose fibres are the fastest growing fibre group in textiles, the largest investment sector in the bio-based economy, and a solution for avoiding microplastics. Producers and inventors along the entire value chain from feedstock to the final product joined the competition.

Out of twelve creative and promising inventions six have been finally nominated for the “Cellulose Fibre Innovation Award”. The selection was made by a jury consisting of nova institute employees and the advisory board of the conference. The audience will elect the three winners on 2 February 2021 at the 2^nd International Conference on Cellulose Fibres .

Here are the six nominees!

Bast Fibre Tech (Canada): Compostable fibre products from agricultural hemp and flax waste
BFTi produces compostable fibre products out of agricultural waste from hemp and flax processing. 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. These comprise speciality fibres for the single layers of AHP with different functionalities:  a hydrophobized fibre for the topsheet, a trilobal fibre for the acquisition/distribution layer and a hollow fibre for the absorbent core. 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 using Kelheim’s fibre solutions are developed and 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. This extends the possible feedstock for usable materials and reduces waste. 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. It is designed as an eco-friendly alternative for fossil-based packaging and cushioning materials such as expanded polystyrene or polyethylene. The foam has comparable shock-absorbing and insulating properties whilst being bio-based, biodegradable, compostable and recyclable in ordinary paper recycling. More information: www.cellutech.se/cellulose-based-foam.html

2^nd International Conference on Cellulose Fibre, 2–3 February 2020 (online event)

The “2^nd 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.

The final programme is now available at: www.cellulose-fibres.eu/programme
You can register to the online conference here: www.cellulose-fibres.eu/registration

Kelheim Fibres (DE), Lenzing (AT) and Levaco Chemicals (DE) are supporting the conference as Gold Sponsors. Bronze Sponsor is NC Partnering (FI). Further information on our attractive sponsoring packages can be found at www.cellulose-fibres.eu/sponsoring – also the sponsoring of the Innovation Award is still possible.

From nova-Institut GmbH