International Fibres Group (IFG) and Omya entered into a strategic R&D partnership to promote the utilization of calcium carbonate in various fibers for diverse applications owing to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental issues associated with the fiber industries. Calcium carbonate’s carbon footprint is approximately 300kg CO2 per tonne of Calcium Carbonate. It can be used in recycled materials and is also recyclable. The collaboration has commenced with successful trials of the incorporation of Omyafiber® masterbatches into PP and PLA staple fibers, and different polymer types are under consideration to be tested on the pilot line.
Marco Viel, Vice President of 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 fiber market. “
Omya is a leading global producer of Calcium Carbonate. With this collaboration, these two companies will work together using IFG’s Fibres Research Centre in Linz, Austria, to explore new fiber product performance, characteristics, and applications, which will incorporate Omyafiber®, a specially developed calcium carbonate for fiber and nonwoven applications. Due to the high thermal conductivity properties of Omyafiber® in the polymer matrix, products with lower sealing/bonding temperatures can be created. 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.
Omyafiber® 800 is an innovative mineral modifier that enables manufacturers to substantially reduce raw material costs and improve the quality of nonwoven fabrics in terms of improved aesthetics and product features such as soft touch and mechanical properties. It features a tailored particle size and a new proprietary surface treatment, resulting in excellent dispersion properties. Omyafiber® 800 is added to PP nonwoven extrusion as a masterbatch, and its high purity and unique surface treatment provide significant advantages in masterbatch compounding and nonwoven production.
