CFC 2025 highlights innovation & dynamic development in sustainable fibre

Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 (CFC 2025), held on March 12-13 in Cologne, Germany, brought together global industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to discuss the latest advancements in sustainable fibers. The event, now recognized as a premier platform for the cellulose fiber industry, featured a comprehensive program focused on innovation, sustainability, and circular economy strategies.

Pioneering Developments in Cellulose Fibers

The conference explored the evolving landscape of cellulose fibers, emphasizing the growing importance of sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. Key discussions revolved around traditional wood-based chemical pulp as well as emerging sources such as agricultural waste, recycled textiles, and paper-grade pulp. Experts also highlighted the increasing demand for biosynthetics, marking their debut at CFC 2025. Panelists examined scalability, biodegradability, and performance in comparison to fossil-based synthetic fibers.

Industry Insights and Investments

CFC 2025 facilitated dynamic engagement among attendees, with sessions addressing fiber-to-fiber recycling, marine biodegradability, alternative feedstocks, and innovative technologies for fiber production.

Rahul Bansal, Vice President & Head of the Global Nonwoven Business at Birla Cellulose, underscored the significance of the event, stating: “With the global shift towards plastic-free products, cellulose-based fibers and allied industries are witnessing an influx of investment in process development and innovation to improve sustainability. This conference plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across the value chain.”

Experts, including Andreas Engelhardt from The Fiber Year, reported that global investments in cellulose fiber production are increasing, with an annual capacity growth of 17 percent between 2024 and 2029, largely driven by Lyocell production. Additionally, CIRFS (BE) proposed a new standard encompassing all cellulose fiber types under a unified category, which gained broad support from participants.

Recognition for Innovation in Sustainable Fibers

A major highlight of the conference was the announcement of the Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2025 award winners, sponsored by GIG Karasek. The award celebrated three groundbreaking innovations:

• SA-Dynamics (Germany) – Developed biodegradable cellulose aerogel textiles offering superior insulation properties for both textiles and construction.
• Releaf Paper France (France) – Pioneered the transformation of urban fallen leaves into sustainable cellulose fibers for packaging materials.
• Uluu (Australia) – Introduced seaweed-derived biosynthetic textile fibers, aiming to replace synthetic polyester while eliminating microplastic pollution.

These innovations are expected to drive further advancements in the sustainable fiber market.

Networking and Collaboration

Beyond the professional sessions, the conference fostered extensive networking opportunities. The event’s matchmaking tool facilitated over 50 scheduled meetings, strengthening industry connections and encouraging collaboration. One of the social highlights was an evening of traditional German bowling, adding a fun and interactive element to the conference experience.