Germany-based manufacturer of specialty viscose fibres, Kelheim Fibres, is the latest company to join the Recycling company Atelier Augsburg, an affiliated institute of Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, that conducts research and development in the field of textile recycling.
It was established in June 2022 with twelve partners from the German textile industry. Recycling Atelier Augsburg offers holistic and comprehensive research along the textile value chain—scientists’ research on all process steps of textile recycling. The research facility conducts material analysis, sorting, and textile processing for sustainable product design.
Kelheim Fibres manufactures high-quality viscose fibres, consisting of the main component of the renewable raw material wood The cellulose-containing wood is used worldwide for products in hygiene, textiles, and technical applications. High-quality nonwoven for instance could be produced from recycled materials.
The research institute focuses on the triad of technical and ecological sense as well as an economic benefit. The researcher aims to produce high-quality recycled raw materials for fashion brands. Currently, the quality of recycled raw materials is of inferior quality.
Scientists at ITA Augsburg have also been researching carbon fiber-reinforced composites (CFRP) and their recycling with the aim of establishing textile processes and products economically on an industrial scale.
Atelier Augsburg has been provided with modern textile production at the Sigma Technopark and the Augsburg Technology Centre. Its model factory for the holistic recycling of textiles started in June 2022.
All the fibres produced at the facility are from 100 percent wood pulp and are fully biodegradable and offer an environmentally sound alternative to petroleum-based materials. The entire production takes place in Germany and fully complies with German environmental laws.
Kelheim Fibres join ITA recycling program
