Hürth, January 2024: The cellulose fibers sector in Cologne is about to get interesting again on March 12 and 13. The popular innovation prize has six new goods on the shortlist. Six exceptional nominees who wish to use their innovative products to create a more sustainable future have been chosen by the jury.
Each year, firms who stand out for their innovation, technological advancements, and environmental effect are honored by the conference organizer Nova-Institute and prize sponsor GIG Karasek. In addition to recognizing the winners’ creative products, the award seeks to inspire others to have the guts to create.
The Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 will feature the nominees’ presentations, the voting, and the winner’s ceremony on March 12. The three winners can be chosen in real time by conference attendees. It is anticipated that about 220 individuals would attend.
The Nominees
Fibers365 (DE): Hemp365 – Agricultural Decorative and Carrier Material
By processing a local agricultural fiber chemical-free and using the resulting short fibers in a wet-laid process, the “hemp365” solution creates an affordable, plant-based decorative and carrier material that significantly reduces the amount of fossil-based binders needed for strength and functionality. It is composed of biogenic and biodegradable materials and has a non-fiber component of less than 7%. Hemp365 is vegan and entirely natural. In collaboration with an automotive OEM, it was created for both consumer (fashion) and industrial purposes. fibers365.com
Releaf Paper France (FR): Releaf Fiber – Eco-Friendly Paper from Urban Fallen Leaves
Releaf Paper France provides an environmentally beneficial substitute for conventional hardwood pulp by turning urban falling leaves into sustainable cellulose fibers. Superior fibers with outstanding paper-forming qualities are separated using a patented low-temperature extraction process. RELEAF fibers are perfect for packaging products like corrugated paper, boxes, and bags because they have a cellulose concentration of 32–48% and characteristics that are comparable to those of hardwood. Millions of tons of urban leaf debris are recycled each year by this creative method, which uses little water and non-aggressive solvents and helps international firms create sustainable packaging solutions. releaf-paper.com
SA-Dynamics (DE): Cellulose Aerogel Textiles – Next-Generation Insulation Materials
100% biodegradable cellulose aerogel fibers are used to create the innovative insulation materials known as cellulose aerogel textiles. By using a unique aerogel fiber method, these combine the outstanding thermal insulation qualities of aerogels with the flexibility and ease of manufacturing of traditional fabrics. They offer a sustainable substitute for insulation materials made from fossil fuels and animals and are lightweight, incredibly effective, and compatible with standard textile technology. Cellulose Aerogel Textiles are completely recyclable and emit no microplastics, setting a new standard for circular economy solutions in the building and textile sectors. Two initiatives, each supported by RWTH Innovation and Biotexfuture, were used to create the first working demonstrators. SA-dynamics.com
Sci-Lume Labs (US): Bylon® – Renewable Circular Fibres from Agricultural Waste
Bylon® is a scalable, circular, biosynthetic fiber produced by Sci-Lume Labs. From the production of raw materials to the manufacturing of textiles, Bylon® smoothly integrates into every stage of the global value chain by using highly effective chemistries to valorize agricultural waste. Because Bylon® is simultaneously bio-based, waste-derived, degradable, recyclable, downstream-compatible, and melt-spinnable, it differs from both incumbent and next-generation materials. By fusing the moisture qualities and circularity of natural fibers with the mechanical qualities and tunability of conventional synthetics, Bylon® also provides a distinctive performance profile. Bylon® enables the industry to lessen its environmental effect without sacrificing quality, performance, or cost by not necessitating changes to the supply chain. sci-lumelabs.com
TMG Automotive (PT): REFIBER – Sustainable Automotive Surface Material
Textile-based composite solutions are a growing trend in the automotive sector, especially for decorative and functional interior applications. Innovative plant-based leather demonstrates this trend, combining sustainability with advanced performance. Developed from a biopolymer matrix combined with cellulose waste, this material transforms waste into a premium, eco-friendly solution. Its textile backing and non woven laminate backing are also made entirely from cellulose fibres, creating a fully integrated bio based composite. Designed for car interiors and more, this lightweight, durable and aesthetically versatile material sets a new standard for sustainable design, while satisfying the industry’s growing demand for circular and renewable alternatives. tmgautomotive.pt
Uluu (AU): Replacing plastic in textiles with natural, seaweed-derived materials
Uluu is an Australian start-up set to replace plastics with natural polymers called PHAs. Uluu materials are made from a regenerative feedstock: farmed seaweed, thus ending reliance on fossil fuels and land crops. Uluu, in partnership with Deakin University, is developing textiles that perform like synthetic polyester but are truly biodegradable and biocompatible, thus eliminating persistent microplastic pollution in fashion. Importantly, Uluu materials are reusable, recyclable, and most importantly, compostable. They are naturally produced through a unique fermentation process that uses seaweed, saltwater microbes and seawater. Uluu pellets can be directly substituted for plastic (e.g., polyester, nylon) in existing melt spinning equipment, creating yarns that can be knitted or woven into textiles. In addition to fibre-grade pellets, Uluu is also producing other grades of pellets to replace plastics used in e.g., buttons, sunglasses, hair clips and packaging. uluu.com.au
Call for Posters
The poster exhibition is a highly anticipated scientific event at the conference, especially for early career scientists. Poster submission is open until 31 January 2025. cellulose-fibres.eu/call-for-posters/
Program
The program and all information on registration, sponsoring and exhibition is available on cellulose fibres.eu
