KELHEIM - Bavarian viscose speciality fibre manufacturer Kelheim Fibres will outline how it approaches the circular economy, from raw material to product design and 'end of life', at the upcoming Dornbirn GFC Webinar Week.
Kelheim, the world's first viscose fibre producer with an EMAS-certified environmental management system, says it is constantly working to further improve every single one of these key sustainably aspects. Its speciality viscose fibres can be functionalized as required, which often saves further processing steps (such as dyeing or coating) as well as reducing the consumption of energy, water and chemicals.
At the end of their product life, fibres from Kelheim are also completely biodegradable in a short time (according to OECD Test 301 B) and therefore contribute to the preservation of valuable habitats.
Kelheim says it is also taking this issue a step further with development work on alternative raw materials, such as recycled cellulose as well as other cellulosic feedstocks for the production of their viscose fibres.
"One approach to closing the product loop in the textile sector is the use of pulp produced from recycled post-consumer waste materials," the company says. "Kelheim Fibres offers its customers innovative viscose fibres made exclusively from certified wood from sustainably managed forests for the production of plastic-free and biodegradable end products.
"In production, Kelheim Fibres focuses on conserving resources by minimising emissions and waste. This happens through closed-loop recovery systems as well as a highly efficient energy generation and the energy-efficient operation of the plants."
Further details can be heard in a presentation by Dr Roland Scholz, Project Manager Fibre and Application Development at Kelheim Fibres, on Wednesday, 15 September, at 5.50 p.m., in Hall B of the 60th Dornbirn GFC Webinar Week.
