“Cellulose is biodegradable, compostable, non-toxic, and non-allergenic. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive and widely available. It is therefore no wonder that interest in the use of cellulose is growing in many different application areas, also outside the traditional paper industry,” says Kemiran. Anna-Stiina JääskeläinenHe works at Kemira on the commercialization of textile chemistry and has been researching and developing the suitability of Kemira's chemistry solutions for the changing textile industry for the past four years.
The textile industry is undergoing a major transformation, and cellulose-based textiles help solve major challenges in the industry, for example by replacing fossil-based polyester or cotton, the production of which has sustainability issues. Kemira's expertise is suitable for both the production of cellulose-based textile fiber and the tailoring of its properties for different uses, from clothing to nonwovens and hygiene products. Kemira also plays a key role in textile recycling and the reuse of recycled raw materials.
“We have evaluated new and emerging end products that will be made from cellulose and identified textiles as one of the most important. Textiles are currently one of the fastest growing application areas for cellulose.”
“Our goal is for Kemira to be the leading chemical supplier for cellulose-based textile products globally by 2030. At the beginning of the year, Kemira established a Growth Accelerator unit, which focuses on accelerating Kemira’s business in new markets, such as the textile industry, and accelerating the commercialization of our new products based on renewable raw materials.”
Anna-Stiina Jääskeläinen points out that research organizations and the forest cluster have invested in cellulose research, especially over the past twenty years. At the same time, progress has been made from a small laboratory scale to the commercialization phase, especially in cellulose-based textiles.
"It is inspiring to watch from the front row which products ultimately become commercial success stories. The superior potential of cellulose as a raw material is more relevant than ever. The focus is now on modifying the properties of cellulose to make it suitable for new applications," says Anna-Stiina Jääskeläinen.
Kemira has established a Growth Accelerator unit, which focuses on accelerating Kemira's business in the textile industry and accelerating the commercialization of new products based on renewable raw materials.
New know-how and ready-made solutions can be utilized and applied in the production of cellulose-based textiles.
Cellulose is an excellent raw material to replace plastic and other fossil-based raw materials.
