The International Conference On Cellulose Fibres (CCF) is unique in the world, it is the only conference that focuses exclusively on cellulose fibres and their applications. Every year the conference enjoys an increasing number of participants. This year, for the first time, there were 230 participants from 27 countries. About 60 were able to attend on site – with strict Corona safety measures – while the others were able to attend online and participate in questions and discussions. The on-site participants were very pleased to finally be able to network directly again. Many new business contacts were made.

The conference gave deep insights into the promising future of cellulose fibres, which fit perfectly into the current trends of circular economy, recycling and sustainable carbon cycles. An important focus at the conference was alternative sources of cellulose. The increasing demand for cellulose fibres cannot be met in the long run with wood and used textiles alone. At the conference, a variety of agricultural by-products and biogenic waste were presented in presentations and panel discussions, such as orange and banana peels, grain and hemp straw. Much of this is high-volume and has not been put to high-value use so far. Exciting opportunities for the future cellulose fibre industry.

The three winners of the Innovation Award

Live at the conference, host nova-Institute and award sponsor GIG Karasek GmbH granted the “Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year” award to one of six highly interesting products. Beforehand, the advisory board of the conference had nominated six products, ranging from cellulose made of orange- and wood pulp to a novel technology for cellulose fibre production. All nominees pitched their innovation to the conference audience who elected the three winners:

• First winner: Carbon fibres from wood – German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (Germany)

•  Second Winner: Fibers365, Truly Carbon-Negative Virgin Fibres from Straw – Fibers365 (Germany)

• Third Winner: Sustainable Menstruation Panties: Application-driven Fibre Functionalisation – Kelheim Fibres (Germany)

Read more about the six nominees here.