Kelheim Fibres GmbH
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Open for innovation-masks for the planet

DRIVING INNOVATION FOR A HEALTHY PLANET

Joining forces with the university of applied sciences Niederrhein to solve a big challenge of our time.

Did you know that…

  • 44,7%
  • of Germans want to continue wearing masks even after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Face with Mask
  • in many Asian countries, masks were integral part of
  • everyday life
  • long before Covid-19.
garbage
  • 129 billion
  • disposable masks are used every month. 1.5 million of these ended up in the oceans last year alone
Facemask
  • Disposable masks are made of
  • plastic
  • which is not biodegradable but breaks down into potentially harmful microplastics over time.
https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/special/bayern-monitor/Umfrage-Viele-Deutsche-wollen-auch-nach-dem-Ende-der-Corona-Pandemie-Maske-tragen-id59792821.html;  Environmental and Science Technology

OPEN FOR INNOVATION PROGRAMME:

To identify and solve unmet needs and the challenges of our times, we rely on synergies and mutual inspiration. We bring together experts along the value chain and work actively with scientists.

129 billion masks per month – and most of them are made of non-biodegradable plastic – create a huge amount of waste. At the same time, many people still want to use masks after the pandemic – but while the the focus then will still be on protection (against influenza viruses e.g.), the demands on wearing comfort will increase.

Within the framework of our “Open for Innovation” programme, an interdisciplinary group from the Hochschule Niederrhein led by Prof. Dr. Boris Mahltig created prototypes of face masks that combine reusability, biodegradability and extraordinary wearer comfort. The encouraging results allow further thinking towards other fields of application.

Functionalised viscose fibres from Kelheim are an ideal material for face masks – they offer different properties for different layers in the mask. The water-repellent Olea fibre, for example, leaves the skin feeling dry, while moisture is channelled into another, particularly absorbent viscose layer and absorbed there. Breathability also contributes to the wearer’s sense of well-being and, of course, the material must be completely physiologically harmless.
The prototypes made by the Hochschule Niederrhein convinced in the wearer test, even in comparison to the masks of well-known manufacturers, through:

  • High wearer comfort (soft, pleasant, breathable)
  • Sustainable production
  • Washable & biodegradable
  • Simple further processing of the fibres

Are you interested in pushing boundaries together? Get in touch with our Innovation team!

Project Manager New Business Development
Natalie Wunder
Phone: +49 9441 99-372
E-Mail

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