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Improved haptics, opacity and whiteness obtained in fibre trials.

Innovation in Textiles  |  Austria

At next week’s Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference (Dornbirn-GFC) taking place in the Austrian town from September 14-16, International Fibres Group (IFG) and Omya, a leading global producer of calcium carbonate, will launch their partnership via a dedicated seminar.

The two companies will work together at 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 collaboration has commenced with successful trials of the incorporation of Omyafiber masterbatches into polypropylene and PLA staple fibres, and further polymer types are under consideration to be tested on the pilot line.

Calcium carbonate 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 ton of calcium carbonate and it can be used in recycled materials and is also recyclable itself.

When Omyafiber is combined with staple fibres, the research and development teams have already 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 and it is also 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.

“Omya is a well known name in the industry and we are very happy about our fruitful cooperation,” said Simon Riepler, head of research and development at IFG. “The quality of the calcium carbonate is excellent and we are looking forward to bringing this quality into fibres and providing a sustainable product for our customers.”

“This valuable cooperation with IFG that will significantly accelerate the market introduction of our Omyafiber solution to the staple fibre market,” added Marco Viel, VP of Polymers, at Omya.

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