Author: Deborah Zela

In Linz, IFG develops sustainable thermoplastic staple fibres for the global market. The Fiber Research Centre (FRC), located in Linz, Austria is setting new standards in this field.

For several years, IFG has been working on bio-based and/or biodegradable thermoplastics as a raw material for fibres.

Investing in and commissioning the Staple Force 1000 has closed the gap between laboratory extruders and industrial plants, increasing the number of trials.

Several years ago, IFG began researching biopolymers with PLA and has successfully industrialised the process thanks to the pilot plant.

In-house recipe

PBS, PHA, and PA12, PA11, and PA610 are used in research and development as base polymers and spun into fibres using IFG’s own recipes.

The in-house fibre testing laboratory is used for material characterisation.

External partners support our group in developing products that focus on the advantages of bio-based materials.

Green Frontrunner

The FFG-funded Green Frontrunner project HOBBITS (highly functionalized, bio-based, and biodegradable technical staple fibres) is currently underway in cooperation with the Transfercenter für Stoffwechseltechnik (TCKT) in Wels, Austria.

The first promising results are already available. The project aims to produce fibres that are biodegradable and/or bio-based so that microplastics and the CO2 footprint can be reduced. The focus is on the interaction between formulation and processing – melt spinning and subsequent processes. The developed staple fibres are to be used for electret filters, high-temperature-resistant water filters, fully degradable melt-bonded products, geotextiles, and composites.

 

We’re thrilled to be once more part of the  Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress, taking place from 10.-12.10.2025 in Dornbirn !

On September 11, Andreas Weinberger will dive into the latest innovations in bio-based and recycled fibers, with a special focus on applications in the carpet industry.

Join us for this exciting exchange on sustainable solutions.

Let’s connect in Dornbirn !

 

We at IFG offer various additives for our customers’. One of them is UV protection, which plays an
important role in many applications.

Outdoor sports surfaces, like tennis courts, need high UV resistance to last longer and maintain their
appearance. Without proper UV protection, these surfaces can wear out and fade more quickly.

IFG’s polypropylene (PP) fibres with high UV stability help ensure that these surfaces stay strong and keep their
colours.

Especially for use in tennis courts, we provide green and red coloured fibres, as shown in the picture
below. Upon request, we can offer other colours to meet our customer’s needs.

Along with standard PP fibres, IFG also offers recycled PP fibres. These are a more sustainable solution
therefore a better option for the environment.

Another key focus at the IDEA Show 2025 was our biobased short-cut PLA fibres that are changing the game for sealing paper, as it is made from renewable resources.

Big News: We now offer new cutting lengths for improved fibre dispersion !

Perfect for tea bags and coffee pods.

Want to learn more about our fibres? Get in contact with us !

Various topics were discussed during the IDEA Show 2025, but for us, one key area was filtration.

As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation in this sector, we are working closely with our customers to meet the modern performance and sustainability demands of applications such as air and liquid filtration.

Our PP fibres are designed for high-performance filtration and we offer sustainable alternatives including PLA, rPP AND ISCC+ certified fibres.

 

Visit our LinkedIn page to get to know more on International Fibres Group .

At IFG, we offer a range of additives, including flame-retardant fibres, which are essential for many
applications, for example in the automotive industry, for floor coverings or in the construction
industry.

One possible use for these flame-retardant fibres is tunnel construction. Tunnels are vulnerable to fires,
therefore it is crucial to use materials that can withstand high temperatures. Our flame-retardant fibres,
used as a fleece in tunnel construction, play a vital role in this context.

They provide an added layer of protection to the tunnel’s structural components as they resist extreme
heat and prevent the spread of flames.

By using IFG’s flame retardant fibres, we ensure that the tunnel remains functional and secure even in the
event of a fire, offering greater protection for both the infrastructure and its users.

This is just one of many possible uses of these fibres. Different non-flammable or self-extinguishing
grades are available depending on the end application. Please contact us for further details !