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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, Head of Research and Development at IFG 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. “

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.

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.

We have been working for many years on the development of a new fibre solution to seal paper, particularly for use in tea bags, and are now delighted to announce the launch of our solution, an addition to the IFG Bio range. 

We are now able to provide a PLA solution to the tea bag market. Historically the tea bag industry has come under fire for the utilisation of polypropylene fibres to heat seal the bags. Polypropylene (PP) is regarded as a non-sustainable source as it is petroleum-based and doesn’t biodegrade. 

As an alternative to polypropylene, PLA (polylactide) is produced from a sustainable source in the form of sugar cane. Once turned into a plastic and used in teabags, the material itself is then biodegradable under the right conditions. So the production and source is sustainable, and the end product does not contain environmental pollutants. 

IFG’s Technical Manager Jim Woo said: 

“The whole world is now talking about sustainability and microplastic pollution. People are becoming more and more aware of how industries are affecting the planet and as a consequence of that there is more and more environmental legislation. As a business it is important that we recognise our impact and reduce it where possible whilst remaining compliant with ever stricter legal requirements. For the world, it is about the planet and reducing pollution.” 

Join IFG on our journey towards a more sustainable future. Get in touch with the team today here. 

Join us as Dr. Christoph Burgstaller from TCKT discusses his latest projects in the modification of PLA fibres with IFG.

Managing Director and Head of Research at the Transfercenter für Kunststofftechnik (TCKT) in Wels, Austria. He has been involved in application-oriented research in the plastics technology sector since 2004 and completed his doctoral studies in chemical engineering at Johannes Kepler University, Linz, in 2006 with a thesis on the structure-property relationships of wood plastic composites. Since 2004, he has been involved in application-oriented research, including at PCCL and TCKT. He has now led more than 35 different research projects with industry participation, which dealt with various topics such as property modification and recycling. He is the head of TCKT since mid-2015 and in addition to this is a professor of plastics engineering at the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences since October 2021.

His work deals with structure-processing-property relationships of thermoplastic materials in general, with a main focus on composites and blends, as well as recycling. He is the author of more than 45 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 90 conference papers and a senior member of the “Society of Plastics Engineers”.

Sign up now to view on demand:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6387277872522880782

Since the beginning of 2022, we continue to experience yet further substantial increases to energy whilst feeling the knock-on effects of rising prices to our raw material, packaging and transportation.

With this in mind we have to take the unavoidable steps to apply an inflationary surcharge to our current 2022 prices.

We know that this will not come as good news in the current climate and we thank you for your understanding through these challenging times.

Your sales representative will be in touch with you to provide further details and answer any questions you may have.

Yours sincerely,

               

Bernard Deruyttere                                Richard Barker-Poole

CEO                                                                 Group Sales Director

International Fibres Group                 International Fibres Group

Filtech comes to Cologne from March 8 to 10, while Tech Textil will arrive in Frankfurt from June 21 to 24. With restrictions lifted, now is the time to book on if you’re looking to learn more about filtration or textiles.

What to expect from Filtech

This is the first time IFG will be exhibiting at Filtech, the leading conference that will showcase the role technical fibres play in building a better future. Expect awe-inspiring keynotes from renowned research scientists, covering topics such as:

• Air filtration for a cleaner world
• Depth filter media in separation processes
• The role of computers in solid-liquid separation
• Membrane processes and cleaner practices.

The show will also present the newest innovations across multiple industries such as automotive and personal protective equipment. Tackling hot topics such as microplastics, air quality and more, Filtech will take place at the Koelnmesse Centre from March 8 to March 10.

You can find us at our stall, L22, in Hall 7.

Find out more on the Filtech website.

What to expect from TechTextil

Few events demonstrate the incredible versatility of technical fibres like TechTextil. Taking place at Messe Frankfurt from June 21 to 24, the show will see 42,000 delegates gathering to discuss the industry.

After two years’ hiatus, the show will feature highlights for visitors at every stage of their career, including:

• Campus and job exchanges
• Student competitions
• Techtextil Innovation Awards
• Techtextil Forum

This year will also have a parallel digital event for those who cannot attend in person. Techtextil’s ‘digital plug’ event will feature live streaming, networking, podcasts and your chance to create a personal exhibitor profile.

Covering key topics such as technology and processes, fibres, yarns, coated textiles, composites and more, Techtextil promises a deep dive into the world of textiles.

You can find us at our stall, D72, in Hall 4.2.

Find out more on the Techtextil website.

Meet the team before this year’s fibres exhibitions

Upon finishing his studies and doing a PhD at Ghent University, Willem went to work at an innovation consulting firm where he spent 8 years. During that time, he was responsible for identifying new business and market opportunities for clients.  

With a wealth of experience and knowledge behind him he’s the perfect candidate for IFG! But what made IFG stand out to him? 

“The first time that I checked the website I found the items very interesting and of importance to me, which are all about innovation and sustainability and I could tell this is what IFG prioritise. I was also very intrigued as I have been passing this site for 8 years without realising what people were doing here. It is nice coming back to the area where I started my career!” 

Even though Willem has only been with us for a short time, his job role involves looking into new technology, products and markets which means he will liaise with different people in the company. He will also get to know the clients and their needs and start translating these into opportunities. 

We also asked Willem what were his first impressions of IFG? 

“I spoke to people from different parts of the organisation and there was a really nice and warm welcome from everyone. It also makes me think that there are so many interesting aspects in the business where I could be of value and of assistance.” 

We wanted to know where Willem saw the fibres industry going in the future? 

“We see a lot more companies using biodegradable materials and I think that the impact of using them will become more and more important. I also think there will be a lot of changes happening in the number of recycled materials and the lifecycle analysis becoming more essential.” 

Outside of work Willem enjoys cycling and is very happy to see that a lot of his colleagues at IFG share this interest. He also likes to read a lot of books (mainly non-fiction), spend time with his two daughters, walk his dog and organise quizzes. 

Despite being at IFG for over 3 decades, Hermann says that he has seen a constant development within the company, with sustainability always being the end goal. When asked what he enjoys the most about his job, Hermann said:

“Every day is different, even though I joined IFG over 30 years ago, there are still situations which I have not experienced before. As part of my job is to be involved in both the actual production and the development of new products and into customers and sales aspects too, there is always something new and interesting to see! Most importantly, this allows me to be constantly learning.”

There’s lots to admire about his professional journey so far, so much so that he can’t pick out one individual highlight but instead takes great satisfaction from every job completed which involves the whole wider team. Even if problems crop up in the process, there’s positives to be taken from the way the Asota team handle the situation!

Hermann sees technical fibres as an ever-changing industry, as well as being challenging at times, but one which will continue to develop at a rapid pace as we open up to brand new ideas in the future. Such innovation is inevitable thanks to IFG’s investment in a Research & Development plant positioned at IFG Asota, Austria. The R&D plant, SF1000, is a state-of-the-art semi-industrial spinning line and is also available for company day hire. You can enquire here.

These price increases are a consequence of the continuing global instability caused by Covid-19. The impact of this has been felt across our main supplier base from polymers and additives, through to logistics and energy. These shortages and increased costs within the supply chain are not only present in our industry but pose difficulties for businesses worldwide.

Moving into 2022, industry base-contract prices for polymers and additives will increase significantly following on from the substantial rises in energy costs seen in recent weeks.

As a result, our base fibre prices will be increasing from January 2022 to partly incorporate these rising costs.

This is completely unavoidable, and we are simply unable to absorb all of the impact and maintain our high standards of product quality, flexible service, and continuing innovation to the market.

To give our customers the best possible confidence in supply through these continuingly turbulent times, IFG remain committed to providing the highest quality products using secure and contracted volumes of first-class raw materials, giving our clients and the supply chain peace of mind.

We also remain committed to our use of green energy for the majority of our manufacturing. This is in addition to our growing range of bio and sustainable fibre alternatives launched this year, as part of our strategy to lead the industry into a more sustainable future.

We thank you for your continued support as we adapt and evolve with our customers and the market to meet the current and future demands of the industry.

If you have any questions relating to this announcement, please contact your sales representative, who will be in touch with more details.

Yours sincerely

  

Bernard Deruyttere                                Richard Barker-Poole
CEO                                                                  Group Sales Director
International Fibres Group                International Fibres Group