Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2025: 6 Nominated
Seaweed as a feedstock for biosynthetic fibers, plant-based surface material for automobile interiors, cellulose pulp and packaging made from leaves, and much more The range of themes covered by the 2025 Cellulose Fibres Conference in Cologne is reflected in the diversity of the prize nominees. 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 recognized 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. Less than 7% of it is non-fiber, and it is composed of biogenic and biodegradable materials. Hemp365 is vegan and entirely natural. In collaboration with an automotive OEM, it was created for both consumer (fashion) and industrial purposes.
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 new aerogel fiber method, these combine the outstanding thermal insulation qualities of aerogels with the flexibility and ease of processing of standard fabrics. They offer a sustainable substitute for insulation materials made from fossil fuels and animals and are lightweight, incredibly effective, and compatible with traditional 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 characteristics 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
In the car industry, textile-based composite solutions are becoming more and more popular, particularly for interior applications that are both stylish and practical. This trend is exemplified by cutting-edge plant-based leather that combines sustainability and superior performance. This substance was created by combining cellulose waste with a biopolymer matrix, turning trash into a high-quality, environmentally friendly solution. A fully integrated bio-based composite is produced by using just cellulose fibers for both its textile backing and non-woven laminate backing. This lightweight, strong, and visually pleasing material, which is intended for automobile interiors and other applications, raises the bar for sustainable design while meeting the industry's increasing need for renewable and circular alternatives. tmgautomotive.pt
Uluu (AU): Replacing plastic in textiles with natural, seaweed-derived materials
Uluu, an Australian startup, plans to use natural polymers known as PHAs in place of plastics. By using farmed seaweed as a regenerative feedstock, Uluu materials eliminate the need for land crops and fossil fuels. In order to eradicate the ongoing microplastic pollution in fashion, Uluu is working with Deakin University to create textiles that function similarly to synthetic polyester but are actually biodegradable and biocompatible. Crucially, Uluu materials are recyclable, reusable, and—above all—compostable. They are made organically using a special fermentation method that incorporates seawater, saltwater bacteria, and seaweed. In existing melt spinning machinery, uluu pellets can be used directly in place of plastic (such as polyester or nylon) to create yarns that can be knitted or woven into fabrics. Uluu produces a variety of pellet grades in addition to fiber-grade pellets. 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