Cellulose fibers at forefront in race to replace plastic
As a result of growing environmental awareness, forthcoming bans on single-use plastic products, especially in Europe, and restrictions and labeling for products containing plastic fibers, the demand for cellulose-based solutions appears promising. The market and especially retailers are looking for sustainable and renewable alternatives to oil-based synthetic fibers, which still account for more than 60% …
Automotive interior trends will drive developments in new materials
Passenger compartment becoming a key decision factor in car purchasing Electric vehicles (EVs) are propelling the automotive industry toward a more sustainable future, while autonomous driving will alter just about everything regarding vehicles – mega-changes that will amount to the biggest leap forward since cars replaced horses. Almost all the attention concerning autonomous vehicles is …
Rapid growth expected for medical textiles
The protection of medical personnel, particularly in surgical settings, from viral exposure has never been more important Textiles are widely used in health and hygiene applications in both medical and consumer markets. They range from simple disposable products, such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene pads, adult incontinence products, and surgical gowns and drapes, to more …
From linearity to circularity – new technologies drive sustainable innovation
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to hamper the fiber community with restrictions on travel and public gatherings, the 59th Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress was, for the first time, held virtually. Opening the congress, Austrian Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology Leonore Gewessler stressed the importance of the circular economy. She noted …
Agrotextiles expand the landscape in the fight against food insecurity
The coronavirus pandemic could see around 265 million people suffering from acute hunger by the end of the year unless swift action is taken to ensure food supply chains keep running, according to the World Food Programme. This represents a doubling of the 130 million estimated to suffer from food shortages in 2019. The COVID-19 …