This demands a new way of thinking with regard to sustainability and circularity within the textile economy. This process already starts with the material selection of the fibres used for the textiles. Generally, textiles consist of fibres, which can be made from renewable and non-renewable resources. A first step towards improving the sustainability of textiles is the change from non-renewable to renewable fibres. In consequence, the textile industry shows a steadily increasing, enormous demand on renewable and sustainable fibres.

One effective solution towards ecodesign is the use of cellulose fibres. Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls and a natural polymer. Therefore, cellulose is bio-based and biodegradable, even in marine-environments, where its degrading does not cause any microplastic. The different production technologies for extracting cellulose from plants can also be used for the recycling of cellulose which enables a circularity of the material.

The 2022 conference successfully included 229 participants from 27 countries. The Cellulose Fibres Conference 2023 will cover the entire value chain, from lignocellulose, chemical pulp, cellulose fibres such as rayon, viscose, modal or lyocell and new developments to a wide range of applications: Textiles of all kinds, nonwovens such as wet wipes as well as new areas such as composites, packaging or nanocellulose in the food industry. The conference will give deep insights into the promising future of cellulose fibres, which perfectly fits the current trends of circular economy, recycling and sustainable carbon cycles.