IFG – more than just fibre

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.