Yarn & Fiber

2023-06-15

Birla Cellulose achieves breakthrough with sustainable fire-resistant fibre at ITMA 2023

Birla Cellulose, a unit of Grasim Industries Limited and part of the Aditya Birla Group, proudly unveils its latest innovation, Birla SaFR, at ITMA 2023, Milan, Italy. This groundbreaking product marks a significant milestone in Birla Cellulose's strategic vision to offer products for the technical textile industry. Birla SaFR, is a phosphate based inherently flame-retardant sustainable cellulosic fibre, ideal for making flame retardant fabrics with its exceptional flame retardant performance and eco-friendly characteristics.

Crafted with utmost precision, Birla SaFR results from meticulous research and development efforts combined with a deep understanding of industry demands. This remarkable achievement showcases Birla Cellulose's commitment to fostering innovation and delivering products that revolutionize the textile landscape.

Mr. H.K Agarwal, Managing Director, Grasim Industries Ltd & business director, Pulp & Fibre Business, expressed his pride in the groundbreaking achievement, stating, "Birla SaFR is the first flame retardant fibre developed in India specifically for the technical textile segment. We take immense pride in knowing that our product will be used in various categories of protective wear, ultimately safeguarding lives."

Birla SaFR, can be blended with other high-performance fibres (e.g aramid, FR mod acrylic, FR polyester) to create a diverse range of protective clothing solutions. This cutting-edge fibre offers enhanced protection against a multitude of heat-related hazards while ensuring optimum comfort for the wearer without compromising on the fire protection standard of the garment thus enhancing the user experience.

Birla SaFR will be an ideal choice for industries requiring highest standard against fire protection, such as thermal protection, electric arc protection, and molten metal splash protection catering to the unique needs of sectors such as defense, emergency response (ER), oil & gas, electrical utility companies and for various manufacturing industries. Birla SaFR has the Oxygen Limiting Factor (OLF) > 28 and it sustains the flame retardant efficacy post multiple washes (> 50 washes) as tested and verified by 3rd party agencies.

Commenting on the occasion of the launch of Birla SaFR at ITAM 2023, Mr. ManMohan Singh, Chief Marketing Officer said “it is a significant milestone and a proud moment for Birla Cellulose and the Aditya Birla Group as Birla SaFR fibre is developed indigenously providing an alternative to imported flame retardant fibre aligning to “Made in India” initiative and poised to make lasting impact on the global textile industry”.

Birla SaFR was launched on the 10th of June at ITMA Milan and with this revolutionary breakthrough, Birla Cellulose sets a new standard for flame-retardant fibres and solidifies its position as a leading solution innovator in sustainable textiles.