Technological watch

The success story of the Cellulose Fibres Conference continues from 13–14 March 2024 in Cologne, Germany, (on site and online). The unique event will showcase new opportunities for cellulose fibres in textiles, hygiene products and packaging.

With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 5 and 10 %, cellulose fibres have been a success story within the textile market over the past decade and are steadily pathing their way into numerous other applications such as hygiene products and packaging. Latest research identifies promising tendencies for the global Cellulose Fibres market over the next 5 years. This makes cellulosic fibres the fastest growing fibre group in the textile industry and the largest investment sector in the global circular bio-economy.

The main source for the production of staple fibres or filaments such as viscose, lyocell, modal, acetate or other types of cellulose fibres is wood-based chemical pulp. At the same time novel sources such as agricultural waste and fibres, paper grade pulp and recycled textiles emerge on a global level, with a multitude of new sources and companies contributing new technologies, processing methods and ideas.

However, there are a number of hurdles to the recycling and processing of cellulosic textiles and blended fabrics. How can technology overcome these obstacles? How can markets achieve a circularity of materials? How can the cellulose fibres industry contribute to the sustainability and circularity of the textile sector and other industries? How can recycled textiles or other cellulosic-rich materials be used by fibre manufacturers as raw materials for innovative fibres that brands want for a variety of applications? The Cellulose Fibres Conference 2024 (www.cellulose-fibres.eu), taking place on 13–14 March 2024 in Cologne, Germany, and online, will address these and other lead topics in the field of cellulose fibres.

Abstract submissions are open till 15 October 2023 via https://cellulose-fibres.eu/call-for-abstracts/. 

Striving towards sustainable textile cyclesThe European Commission has made the thorough transition towards sustainability and circularity for different industries and especially the textile sector a main focus. This demands a new way of thinking with regard to sustainability and circularity within the textile economy. This process initially starts with the material selection of the fibres used for the textiles. In general, textile fibres can be produced from renewable and non-renewable resources. A first step towards improving the sustainability of textiles is the change from non-renewable to renewable fibres. In consequence, the textile industry shows a steadily increasing demand for renewable and sustainable fibres.

This increasing demand for renewable feedstock cannot solely be satisfied with natural fibres such as hemp or cotton. Here cellulose fibres offer an additional effective solution. Meanwhile also recycled textiles are a readily available source of cellulose fibres. Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls and a natural polymer. Therefore, cellulose is bio-based and biodegradable, even in marine-environments, where its degrading does not cause any microplastic. The different production technologies for extracting cellulose from plants can also be used for the recycling of cellulose which enables a circularity of the material.

Uniting key players along the entire cellulose value chainThe 2023 conference successfully included 230 participants from 27 countries, celebrated cellulose innovations and gathered key players from different areas. The Cellulose Fibres Conference 2024 will cover the entire value chain, from lignocellulose, chemical pulp, cellulose fibres such as rayon, viscose, modal or lyocell and new developments to a wide range of applications: textiles from renewable fibres, nonwovens such as wet wipes as well as new areas such as composites, hygiene, packaging or nanocellulose in the food industry. The conference will offer deep insights into the promising future of cellulose fibres, which perfectly fits the current trends of circular economy, recycling and sustainable carbon cycles.

Call for abstractsEnterprises and research institutes are invited to contribute to the programme and present their innovative products, technologies or developments. Deadline for submission is 15 October 2023.

Abstracts can be submitted via https://cellulose-fibres.eu/call-for-abstracts/. 

Innovation award “Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2024” – Call for innovations!Each year the conference celebrates the latest product and process innovations. The deadline for innovation submission is 15 December 2023.

Innovations can be submitted via https://cellulose-fibres.eu/award-application/. 

Call for postersThe event is accompanied by a poster exhibition. Poster submissions are open until 15 February 2024. 

Posters can be submitted via https://cellulose-fibres.eu/call-for-posters/. 

Sponsorship – Exhibition – Advertisement: Service PackagesThe conference will be accompanied by a trade exhibition and offers companies a wide range of sponsorship opportunities to maximize visibility and impact at the conference.

Booking options are available via https://cellulose-fibres.eu/exhibition-booking/. Further information on sponsoring is available at https://cellulose-fibres.eu/sponsoring/

Key Account Management
Guido Müller
guido.mueller@nova-institut.de

Conference registrationThe registration fee is 995 EUR (excl. 19 % VAT) for both days and 690 EUR (excl. 19 % VAT) for the virtual option.

Registration options are available via https://cellulose-fibres.eu/registration/. 

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