Biobased fibre forum held in China
04/10/2022
Taking the country’s 14th five-year plan and broader “dual carbon” goals as something of a roadmap, speakers including CCFA president, Chen Xinwei, Donghua University professors Wang Huaping and Zhang Yumei, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology associate professor Bin Wang and secretary general of CCFA’s polypropylene branch, Li Zengjun, all presented ideas and insights into how best to develop the industry and work with its raw materials.
In his speech, Mr Chen notably emphasised the need to improve domestic biobased fibre supply chain “bottlenecks” and told how, in comparison to some other countries, China is currently lacking in key technologies and industrial equipment needed to improve fibre quality and realise low-cost production on a large scale.
Dr Bin, meanwhile, discussed his own ongoing research into how to add value to and otherwise diversify polylactic acid (PLA) fibres, telling of his experiments with producing various antibacterial, waterproof and ultraviolet-resistant fabrics containing PLA content.
Later, a representative from Heilongjiang Yipin New Material presented on perceived performance advantages and development prospects for biobased nylon PA5X and several spokespeople for sponsor Anhui Fengyuan Biochemical detailed the company’s success with making “grain-free” PLA fibre from straw.
A number of delegates participated virtually due to covid-related travel restrictions. Among these, Xinxiang Chemical Fiber’s chief engineer, Xie Yueteng, delivered a speech on ionic liquid-based dissolution of biomass. Xia Yanzhi of the State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Marine Biomass Fibers, Materials and Textiles of Shandong Province at Qingdao University also talked about progress made with seaweed fibre technology and its application.
Chinese sportswear brand Xtep unveiled a 100% windbreaker jacket earlier this year. Credit: Xtep.
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