#Yarn & Fiber

2021-08-26

Circular economy at Kelheim Fibres: Examples of innovation from raw material, product design and all the way to “end of life”

A sustainable product is a mosaic of many individual building blocks - Kelheim Fibres, the world's first viscose fibre producer with an EMAS-certified environmental management system, is constantly working to further improve every single one of these building blocks.

The innovative viscose special fibres from Kelheim can be functionalised as required - this often saves further processing steps (such as dyeing or coating) and thus also energy, water and chemicals. At the end of their product life, fibres from Kelheim are completely biodegradable in a short time (according to OECD Test 301 B) and thus contribute to the preservation of valuable habitats.

Now Kelheim Fibres is taking a step further: the fibre specialists are working on the development of alternative raw materials, such as recycled cellulose as well as other cellulosic feedstocks for the production of their viscose fibres. One approach to closing the product loop in the textile sector is the use of pulp produced from recycled post-consumer waste materials.

Kelheim Fibres offers its customers innovative viscose fibres made exclusively from certified wood from sustainably managed forests for the production of plastic-free and biodegradable end products. In production, Kelheim Fibres focuses on conserving resources by minimising emissions and waste. This happens through closed-loop recovery systems as well as a highly efficient energy generation and the energy-efficient operation of the plants.

Find out more in the lecture by Dr Roland Scholz, Project Manager Fibre and Application Development at Kelheim Fibres, on Wednesday, 15 September, at 5.50 p.m., in Hall B of the 60th Dornbirn GFC WEBINAR WEEK.

Kelheim Fibres GmbH informs about the closure of operations

The management of Kelheim Fibres GmbH informs that business operations will be terminated as of 31 March 2026. A continuation of the company beyond this date is not possible. The investor and sales process conducted within the framework of the self-administration did not lead to a positive outcome. The potential strategic investor who most recently entered the process has withdrawn from a potential investment at short notice.

Kelheim Fibres GmbH: Strategic Realignment and Acquisition by LEO III Fund

Kelheim Fibres GmbH has signed a notarial purchase agreement with Munich-based financial investor LEO III Fonds, exclusively advised by DUBAG Group, as part of its ongoing self-administered insolvency proceedings. The signing took place on November 5, 2025, with the completion of the transaction scheduled for January 1, 2026.

Kelheim Fibres on track for the future

Kelheim Fibres GmbH, a global leader in specialty viscose fibre solutions, has successfully completed an internal restructuring and sharpened its focus on core product segments following its October 2024 insolvency filing. This has enabled the company to return to a sustainable business model, with a firm commitment to continue on this path.

Durak Tekstil to showcase its innovations for mattress industry at ISPA EXPO 2026

Durak Tekstil threads that meet the standards required for high-quality, long-lasting and comfortable products demanded by the mattress industry, while also offering new possibilities, will be exhibited at ISPA EXPO 2026. The fact that the fair is being held in the U.S.—one of Durak Tekstil’s key target markets—also carries great significance.

B.I.G. Yarns achieves EcoVadis Platinum Rating, ranking among top 1% of companies worldwide

B.I.G. Yarns, the carpet yarn brand of B.I.G. and a leading manufacturer of polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) yarns for contract, automotive, and high-end residential applications, has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, placing the company among the top 1% of more than 130.000 companies assessed globally.

Stability in volatile markets: Heimtextil 2026 launches with 3,000 exhibitors and design expertise from Patricia Urquiola

Heimtextil opens the new season with 3,000 exhibitors from 66 countries – maintaining stability while becoming even more international. The new hall layout increases visibility and connects supply and demand even more efficiently. At the opening, architect and designer Patricia Urquiola and Rosa Bertoli, Global Design Director of Wallpaper magazine, talk about AI, innovative materials and future-oriented design for modern living environments.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.