Archives: Collaboration

Collaboration

Arkema

International Fibres Group (IFG) are delighted to announce the launch of PA11 fibre.  

Forming part of the new IFG Bio range, Rilsan® PA11 is 100% bio-based, derived from renewable castor oil, which has a proven legacy in meeting some of the world’s most demanding material challenges. The trademark properties of PA11 include lightweight, flexibility, durability, and overall toughness. 

The castor bean is a sustainable, renewable crop that does not compete with food and does not cause deforestation. With a wide range of applications including luggage, carpets, extreme sports and socks and underwear, PA11 fibre provides the perfect sustainable solution for a variety of end applications. 

“We are delighted to be able to launch PA11 into the fibre market”, said Richard Barker-Poole, IFG’s Sales and Marketing Director. “We are inviting our customers to further research its applications with us, so they can be part of the journey to a more sustainable future.” 

IFG’s company values are firmly embedded in service, sustainability and continuously improving product performance characteristics, with a strong focus on research and development, especially into the performance of more sustainable alternatives to traditional fibres. The company has invested heavily in a dedicated R&D centre in Linz, Austria. Their experienced technical experts work with a worldwide customer base providing bespoke, innovative and flexible supply solutions, which will be perfectly complemented by the new PA11 fibre offering. 

PTT MCC Biochem

PTT MCC Biochem and International Fibres Group announce a Strategic Marketing Partnership to actively promote Novel BioPBSTM-based staple fibres to the market.

Companies announce strategic technical and marketing partnership to create biobased, compostable staple fibre products based on BIOPBS™ technology to support growing demand for sustainable materials in fibre and nonwoven markets.

At International Nonwoven Symposium, Lyon, France – 8 June 2022 – PTT MCC Biochem Company Limited (PTTMCC), a leading producer of bio-based polybutylene succinate (BioPBSTM) and International Fibres Group (IFG), industrial leader in staple fibres manufacturing, have announced that the two companies have established a strategic marketing partnership to collaboratively promote newly-developed staple fibres under the IFGBioTM brand. These will use biobased, compostable solutions based on PTTMCC’s BioPBSTM technology. This marketing partnership is aimed to accelerate greener fibre and nonwoven industry by introducing an alternative sustainable material for staple fibres in applications such as food & beverage, filtration, geotextile, construction etc. PTT MCC Biochem Company Limited (PTTMCC) is a leading provider in polybutylene succinate solution with the world largest commercial production of bio-based polybutylene succinate under the BioPBS tradename. The production facility of 20,000 tonnes per year is located in Rayong, Thailand.

PTTMCC is a strategic joint venture company between PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC). BioPBSTM is partially derived from renewable resources and has superior compostability performance at ambient temperature. BioPBSTM shows excellent performance in low temperature heat sealability, high heat resistance and flexibility compared to other biodegradable resins. PTTMCC is determined to become the global leader of compostable bioplastic material with fast tracking solution for customers to enjoy vast application possibilities.

International Fibres Group (IFG) is one of Europe’s leading independent producers of polypropylene-based staple fibre, a component with reinforcing, insulating, separating or draining properties. The fibre is used in the production of e.g. flooring, rugs, furniture, filtration, foodstuff packaging, car interiors and nonwoven fabrics, which means a diversified customer portfolio. IFG has production facilities in Belgium, the United Kingdom and Austria. To address the world’s sensitivity to the overuse of fossil-fuel based plastics, IFG has implemented a core strategy to develop an industry-leading range of more sustainable plant-based staple fibre solutions.

OMYA

IFG announces Strategic Partnership with Omya

The new collaboration will explore the incorporation of calcium carbonate within fibres

International Fibres Group (IFG) are delighted to announce a strategic R&D partnership with Omya, a leading global producer of Calcium Carbonate. The two companies will work together using IFG’s Fibres Research Centre in Linz, Austria, to explore new fibre product performance, characteristics and applications which will incorporate Omyafiber®, a specially developed calcium carbonate for fibre and nonwoven applications. The two companies will jointly promote their findings into the fibres and nonwovens industry.

The collaboration has commenced with successful trials of the incorporation of Omyafiber® masterbatches into PP and PLA staple fibres, and further polymer types are under consideration to be tested on the pilot line.

Calcium Carbonate is being considered as it is a sustainable and renewable raw material, addressing some of the environmental pressures on the fibres industry. Its carbon footprint is approximately 300kg CO2 per tonne of Calcium Carbonate. It can be used in recycled materials and is also recyclable itself.

When Omyafiber® is combined with staple fibres, the research and development teams discovered improved haptics, opacity and whiteness. It can replace the use of titanium dioxide which has a significantly higher carbon footprint.

Due to the high thermal conductivity properties of Omyafiber® in the polymer matrix, it allows for products to be created that have lower sealing / bonding temperatures.

It is approved for use in applications that will come into contact with food.

In addition, Omyafiber® does not cause skin sensitivity and is OEKO-TEX® approved for use in apparel.

Simon Riepler, IFG Group R&D Director said of the collaboration: “Omya is a well know name in the industry and we are very happy about our fruitful cooperation. The quality of the calcium carbonate is excellent and we are looking forward bringing this quality into fibres and providing a sustainable product for our customers.”

Marco Viel, Vice President Polymers, Group Sales & Marketing at Omya said: “We are excited about  this valuable cooperation with IFG that will significantly accelerate the market introduction of our Omyafiber® solution to the staple fibre market. “

The two companies will collaboratively launch their partnership with a dedicated seminar at the Dornbirn GFC https://www.dornbirn-gfc.com/ from 14-16 September 2022.