Plastic Free World: Functional cellulosic fibres as a substitute for synthetics in high-performance applications

Reducing global plastic pollution is the central theme of the Plastic Free World Conference, which will take place in Cologne in November 2021.

While circularity is undeniably a sensible step towards combating the problem, German viscose speciality fibre manufacturer Kelheim Fibres is focusing on the root of the problem: “Recycling is good – avoiding plastic in the first place is better,” says Ilka Kaczmarek, Innovation Manager at Kelheim Fibres.

For this, materials are needed that are able to replace synthetic product components without the end consumer having to accept compromises in product performance.

“Our speciality fibres are such an alternative as they perfectly combine the advantages of natural fibres and synthetic fibres. They are plant-based and biodegradable like natural fibres – but can be functionalised during the production process so that they achieve the performance values of synthetic fibres,” says Kaczmarek.

Kelheim Fibres was nominated for the German Sustainability Award in 2021 with their fibre concept for AHP and supplies solutions for a diverse range of areas of application: hygiene products intended for convenient single use such as the just mentioned AHP (absorbent hygiene products, e.g. sanitary towels), wipes or facial masks benefit from the environmentally friendly fibres just as much as reusable products. In the hygiene sector, these include period panties, which are enjoying growing popularity.

But trendy well-being textiles also benefit from the special fibres from Kelheim: they can be functionalised according to the needs of the application and thus actively contribute to the well-being of the wearer – for example through increased wearing comfort, thermoregulating properties or even through a built-in infrared effect as in the case of Celliant Viscose.

How Kelheim Fibres is developing functional cellulosic fibres for high-performance applications thanks to flexible technology and open innovation, and thus replacing more and more synthetic fibres, will be the topic of Ilka Kaczmarek’s presentation at the conference on 10.11. at 3.15 pm.