The winning cellulose fibre innovation 2023 is a collaboration between Nanollose (AU) and Birla Cellulose (IN) with a tree-free lyocell made from bacterial cellulose called Nullarbor. Renewcell (SE), cellulose fibres made from 100% textile waste, came in second, and Gencrest Bio Products’ (IN) new-generation banana fibre Vybrana took third.
In conjunction with the “Cellulose Fibres Conference 2023,” which will take place in Cologne from March 8–12, 2023, nova-Institute presented the “Cellulose Fibre Invention of the Year” award for a third time. The annual conference is a hub for the world’s cellulose fibre sector. Forty-two international speakers from twelve countries provided the latest industry insights and trends and illustrated cellulose fibres’ innovative potential. Over 220 attendees from 30 different nations enjoyed the fantastic networking possibilities. Prominent worldwide specialists addressed cutting-edge methods for recycling cellulose-rich raw materials and circular economy techniques in textiles, packaging, and hygiene during seven-panel discussions in which the audience actively participated.
The conference advisory board had suggested six outstanding ideas before the meeting. On the first day of the conference, the attendees chose the victors in a thrilling head-to-head live voting. GIG Karasek generously supported the invention prize “Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2023.” (AT).
These are the names of the three recipients of the “Cellulose Fibre Invention of the Year 2023” award:
The winners are Nullarbor – Nanollose and Birla Cellulose (AU/IN).
Nullarbor, a tree-free lyocell made from bacterial cellulose, is the product of a partnership between Nanollose and Birla Cellulose that began in 2020. The Latin word “nulla arbour,” which means “no trees,” is where the name originates. The joint patent application “manufacturing of high-tenacity lyocell fibres manufactured from bacterial cellulose” resulted from preliminary lab research on both ends. Compared to lyocell generated from wood-based pulp, Nullarbor is much more durable; even modest quantities of bacterial cellulose added to wood pulp boost the fibre’s toughness. With a 20% bacterial pulp share, the first trial batch of 260 kg was generated in 2022. This fibre was used to create several premium textiles and apparel items. The partnership between Nanollose and Birla Cellulose is now focused on boosting production volume and bacterial pulp content in the fibre.
Renewcell, which “makes fashion cyclical,” came in second (SE)
Circulose, a branded dissolving pulp produced by Renewcell, is generated entirely from textile waste, including manufacturing waste and worn-out clothing. It offers a distinctive, recyclable, biodegradable, and virgin-equivalent material for clothing that is 100% recycled. Fibre manufacturers employ it to create filaments or staple fibres like viscose, lyocell, modal, acetate, or other synthetic cellulosic fibres. In 2022, Renewcell inaugurated Renewcell 1, the world’s first textile-to-textile chemical recycling facility, in Sundsvall, Sweden. The factory is anticipated to have a 120,000-tonne annual capacity.
Vybrana – The latest generation banana fibre – Gencrest Bio Products, third place (IN)
Gencrest’s Sustainable Cellulosic Fiber, Vybrana, was created by recycling agricultural waste. Towards the end of the plant’s life cycle, the stem of the banana is harvested for its raw fibres. The unique Fiberzyme technology from Gencrest is then used to treat biomass waste. In this case, cocktail enzyme compositions improve fibre fibrillation by removing the high lignin concentration and other contaminants. By a patented technique developed by the business, yarns for sustainable clothing may be produced using any regular spinning machine using fine, spinnable cellulose staple fibres appropriate for mixing with other staple fibres.
Balanced biomass is transformed into biostimulants like Agrosatva, bio-based fertilisers, and organic manure in a process that produces Vybrana without harsh chemicals, with the least amount of water consumption, and without creating waste.
