Business

Kelheim Fibres wins ITMA innovation award

Its new fibre, Bramante, absorbs more than double its own weight in liquids

The International Textile Machinery Association (ITMA) recently presented its 2014 Future Materials Award for Best Innovation in Medical Textiles to Kelheim Fibres GmbH.

The company manufactures viscose specialty fibres from eucalyptus trees, including a new fibre, Bramante, that absorbs more than double its own weight in liquids and retains it in the fibre. Kelheim foresees the possibility of making incontinence pads that are washable and re-usable, benefitting both the user and the environment. The incontinence pad is a needle punch nonwoven combining Bramante with polyester that competes favourably against disposable incontinence products.