Displaying items by tag: Kelhleim Fibres
Cellulose: from biogenic polymer to novel functions and innovative applications
This was the title of the paper given to approximately 280 attendees at the third Cooperation Forum Biopolymers in Straubing by Dr. Haio Harms, CEO of Kelheim Fibres GmbH. The paper illustrated impressively the versatility of viscose fibres made in Kelheim and presented future-oriented applications possibilities for their use.
“Cellulose- and lignocellulose-based materials and composites” was one of the main topics of the Forum organized by Bayern Innovativ in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Renewable Resources in Straubing – and Kelheim’s viscose fibres are a prime example of such materials.
Speciality fibres from Kelheim are high-performance materials which can substitute oil based synthetic materials in certain applications and deliver equal or even better performance; filters and speciality papers are examples of end products which can benefit from Kelheim’s fibres – and even carbon fibres are made from viscose fibre precursors. In addition to this, viscose fibres are made from 100% renewable cellulose as a raw material and are therefore completely biodegradable.
As a result, the field trip to the speciality fibre manufacturer’s headquarters at Kelheim, which was offered as part of the additional programme of the cooperation forum, was met with great interest. Around 50 visitors were given the opportunity to see the production plant and Kelheim’s R&D pilot plants.
Focus on speciality papers - Zellcheming and VPM at Kelhleim Fibres
Last Friday, Kelheim Fibres hosted the district group meeting for the Bavarian branches of Zellcheming and VPM (Paper Association Munich).
This year’s meeting was all about speciality papers: the presentations by members concentrated on different aspects of that topic - and Dr. Frank Miletzky, chairman of Papiertechnische Stiftung, ventured a look at the future of paper. New materials or combinations of materials, new production techniques and last but not least new, demanding applications are considered to be the future challenges for the paper industry - as well as its future opportunities.
The day’s highlight for the more than 30 visitors was the plant tour of Kelheim’s viscose fibre production and in particular the demonstration of the in-house paper competence centre. Kelheim Fibres, manufacturer of viscose speciality fibres for - amongst others - paper applications, operates a pilot plant with inclined wire technology.
This plant serves Kelheim’s R&D team, yet at the same time it offers a unique service for Kelheim’s customers from the paper industry. Here, smaller amounts of new papers can be produced and tested, without disturbing the customer’s regular production flow.
As Walter Roggenstein, head of Kelheim’s R&D, together with his team presented the pilot plant in action, the advantages of viscose fibers in papers became clear: viscose fibres enhance the physical properties of papers, such as a paper’s strength, and can lend the paper product additional functionalities.