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Plant-based textile fiber: Norratex.

Last updated: Aug 31, 2022

Summary

The Finnish startup, Nordic Bioproducts Group, has successfully created a new plant-based textile fiber.

The company is a spin-off from Aalto University in Finland and the proprietor of the patented AaltoCell™ technology. The company has created a new plant-based textile fiber, Norratex, which is manufactured without any toxic chemicals or expensive solvents.

Problem

The demand for sustainable and responsible textile fibers is constantly growing. Current methods have a detrimental impact on the environment. New and sustainable alternatives from wood and plant-based feedstock are required to address the sustainability challenges of the textile industry.

Solution

In the Nordic Bioproducts' method, the cellulose is first hydrolyzed in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner, after which the fiber is further processed into a viscose-like textile fiber. The AaltoCell ™ method can be applied in the production of plant-based textile fibers.

Outcome

The Norratex method can utilize a wide variety of raw material sources. Fibers can be made from forest industry by-products, textile waste, and ordinary paper pulp. This is a significant advantage over traditional viscose, which is made from dissolving pulp and the cost can be up to 30 % higher than paper pulp.