The presentations will show different applications of Kelheim’s viscose speciality fibres. While Dr Roland Scholz, together with Dr Jörg Zacharias from Krones AG, will report on the current status of a joint research project regarding the use of viscose fibres as a filtration aid in breweries, Sebastian Basel will talk about the use of viscose short cut fibres in hybrid nonwoven technologies as, for example, in the production of wet wipes.

Viscose fibres

“Despite the completely different end uses, in both cases Kelheim’s specialities impress with their typical core properties,” the company explains. “These fibres can easily be adapted to the specific needs of the customer. In beer filtration, the formation and the structure of the filter cake of a viscose precoat filter can be controlled by the fibres’ geometry. Cross section, diameter and length of the fibres play a key role.”

“Entirely different aspects are important for the broad range of nonwovens products in the hygiene sector: Here, softness, flushability or high absorbency are required. But these, too, can be controlled by modifications in Kelheim’s viscose short cut fibres – and not only by the last process steps of converting or finishing, as it is often assumed.”

Environmental credentials

Another benefit is the environmental credentials of viscose fibres, the manufacturer reports. Wet wipes and other everyday hygiene products are made for one-time use only. Shortcut fibres from Kelheim are said to allow for the production of nonwoven wipes that can be flushed down the toilet without the danger of clogging and that are completely biodegradable.

In beer filtration, too, the object is to substitute diatomite, which is viewed in an increasingly critical manner, with eco-friendly viscose fibres that are a 100% compostable and can therefore be disposed at low cost, according to the company.

Finally, another common aspect is that both applications are said to require an extremely high level of physiological safety and hygiene standards. “That is self-explanatory when it comes to wipes for personal care and even more obvious in food and beverage filtration – viscose fibres from Kelheim are ideally suited for both applications,” the company states.

Kelheim Fibres

Kelheim Fibres is a leading producer of viscose speciality fibres and the most important supplier of viscose fibres for the tampon industry.

Approximately 90,000 tons of viscose fibres are produced and tested every year at Kelheim in South Germany. These are used in most diverse applications – from fashion, hygiene and medical products to nonwovens and speciality papers.

Innovative products, flexible technologies and a strong customer orientation form the foundations of the company’s success.

www.kelheim-fibres.com