In 2021, in collaboration with Arkema, IFG launched Rilsan® PA11, applications for which continue to be researched.

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.

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PTT MCC Biochem and IFG’s strategic marketing partnership will actively promote Novel BioPBS™-based staple fibres to the market. These compostable staple fibre products are based on BIOPBS™ technology to support the 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 (BioPBS™) 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 IFGBio™ brand. These will use biobased, compostable solutions based on PTTMCC’s BioPBS™ 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). BioPBS™ is partially derived from renewable resources and has superior compostability performance at ambient temperature. BioPBS™ 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.

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IFG’s strategic collaborative partnership with Omya, a leading global producer of calcium carbonate, will explore the incorporation of calcium carbonate within fibres.

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.

Simon Riepler, IFG Group R&D Director said of the collaboration: “Omya is a well known 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.”

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