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#Composites

Kelheim Fibres presents biobased high-tech materials

The call to replace crude-oil based substances by materials made from renewable resources is getting steadily louder – even at the COMPOSITES EUROPE, a fair that focuses on functionality and performance of the latest high-tech materials.

Viscose speciality fibres from the Bavarian manufacturer Kelheim Fibres kill two birds with one stone: They are made from pure wood-pulp and bear the seal of the FSC® or PEFCTM, both standing for sustainable and responsible forest management. The fibres have been tested and certified as a compostable material. At the end of their life span they are completely biodegradable and therefore make an important contribution towards the reduction of plastic waste and pollution by microplastics.

At the same time, these speciality fibres can be tailor-made according to the customer’s specifications and enable the production of future-oriented materials with integrated functionality. Kelheim offers a variety of options, as for example short cut fibres that can be carbonised and integrated in compounds to create an electromagnetic shield or even electrical conductivity.

A similar effect is achieved by the speciality fibre Electra, a viscose fibre with an electrically conductive additive evenly distributed in the fibre matrix.

But the fibre experts are not restricting themselves to these developments: “At COMPOSITES EUROPE, we want to generate new ideas and promote development partnerships”, says Dr. Roland Scholz from Kelheim’s R&D team.



(c) 2019 Kelheim Fibres
(c) 2019 Kelheim Fibres


“For this, we are geared up with our laboratories and pilot plants in Kelheim – and our customer benefits from the added value of a fibre that is tailormade for his requirements.”

Kelheim Fibres is looking forward to many inspiring encounters at stand A36 (Bayern Innovativ), hall 7.


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#Man-Made Fibers

Kelheim Fibres GmbH informs about the closure of operations

The management of Kelheim Fibres GmbH informs that business operations will be terminated as of 31 March 2026. A continuation of the company beyond this date is not possible. The investor and sales process conducted within the framework of the self-administration did not lead to a positive outcome. The potential strategic investor who most recently entered the process has withdrawn from a potential investment at short notice.

#Man-Made Fibers

Investor withdrawal forces Kelheim Fibres to assess future operations

Kelheim Fibres GmbH has confirmed that the planned transaction within its ongoing self-administered insolvency proceedings has failed. The intended sale to the Munich-based LEO III Fund, advised by the DUBAG Group, could not be completed despite extensive efforts.

#Man-Made Fibers

Kelheim Fibres GmbH: Strategic Realignment and Acquisition by LEO III Fund

Kelheim Fibres GmbH has signed a notarial purchase agreement with Munich-based financial investor LEO III Fonds, exclusively advised by DUBAG Group, as part of its ongoing self-administered insolvency proceedings. The signing took place on November 5, 2025, with the completion of the transaction scheduled for January 1, 2026.

#Man-Made Fibers

Kelheim Fibres on track for the future

Kelheim Fibres GmbH, a global leader in specialty viscose fibre solutions, has successfully completed an internal restructuring and sharpened its focus on core product segments following its October 2024 insolvency filing. This has enabled the company to return to a sustainable business model, with a firm commitment to continue on this path.

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#Research & Development

Novel flame-retardant and recyclable fiber-reinforced composite

Airplanes and passenger trains must meet strict safety requirements, including fire safety standards. This calls for materials that are flame-retardant, lightweight, robust, and scalable. Empa researchers, in collaboration with their industry partner Elantas, have now succeeded for the first time in making such a material – a composite – fully recyclable.

#Composites

WHILL selects Teijin’s tough, lightweight Carbon Fiber Composite for new last-mile mobility

Teijin Limited announced today that WHILL Inc., a global leader in inclusive mobility technology, has selected Sereebo® P CFP series, a carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) material, for key structural components of the upcoming WHILL Model C Lite. Sereebo® P CFP series provides high strength, light weight, design flexibility and system cost advantages to the Model C Lite, which is a battery powered, single-seat, last-mile device. This new model combines maneuverability with light weight and one-handed folding to ensure ease of handling and operation.

#Composites

Fewer pores, greater impact tolerance: Peter Dornier Foundation Prize 2026 honours material research on fibre-reinforced composite components for aerospace industry

Microscopically small pores that form during manufacture, or barely visible impact damage, can severely impair the load-bearing capacity and service life of fibre-reinforced composite components. Two young researchers have presented groundbreaking work in this field and will both be awarded the 2026 Peter Dornier Foundation Prize: Dr.-Ing. Benedikt Neitzel from the Technical University of Ilmenau for his doctoral thesis on pore minimisation in the RTM process, and Johanna Buschmann, M.Sc., for her master’s thesis, completed at the German Aerospace Centre, on the improved impact tolerance of 3D fabrics compared to 2D laminates.

#Composites

Carbon Revolution wins Composites Australia Engineering Team Excellence Award

Carbon Revolution has won the Engineering Team Excellence Award at the 2026 Composites Australia Annual Industry Awards.

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#India ITME 2026

Stäubli to introduce new S3292 dobby for high-speed weaving at ITME India 2026

Stäubli will introduce its new S3292 dobby at ITME India 2026, taking place from December 4 to 9 at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Designed for high-speed air-jet weaving, the new machine will be among the highlights of the company's presentation, which also includes warp preparation systems, cam motions, Jacquard technologies and digital services.

#Research & Development

DITF develops bio-based binding fibers for wood-fiber insulation materials

As part of the CelluWoodFlex project, the German Institutes of Textile- and Fiber-Research in Denkendorf (DITF) are developing bio-based cellulose ester fibers as alternative binding fibers for flexible wood fiber insulation materials. In addition to the spinning process and the production of suitable staple fibers, the institute is also investigating how wood and cellulose fibers can be separated and recycled at the end of their useful life.

#Recycled Fibers

Reju expands textile-to-textile recycling network with six international fabric manufacturers

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Magnera highlights HighPleat™ filtration media technology at FiltXPO 2026

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