Puur natuur: 100% biobased

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Flanders and the South Netherlands traditionally have a large concentration of companies in the plastics processing industry, especially in textiles. Both regions have extensive expertise in the development and production of carpet and clothing. By 2030, the sector wants to use 20% to 50% bio-based materials in its products. In order to achieve this, it is necessary for the textile industry to obtain high-quality fibers and yarns based on 100% bio-based materials. ‘Puur Natuur: 100% Bio-based’ wants to offer sustainable, non-toxic, biodegradable alternatives based on renewable raw materials. Amongst others, Centexbel (Belgian technical and scientific center for the textile industry), Avans Foundation and the leading Flemish textile company De Saedeleir Textile Platform join forces in this. The project results in the development of bio-based plasticizers, flame retardants, dyes, stabilizers, adhesives and nucleating agents. For example, color intensity and stability are the most important quality characteristics for textiles. Bio-based dyes are commercially only available to a limited extent and often do not meet the set quality criteria such as lightfastness. HZ University of Applied Sciences focuses on natural dyes from marine organisms such as algae. Avans focuses on agricultural crops with, among other things, sorghum and onion skins. The developed additives undergo laboratory tests in which different combinations are applied via compounding (mixing in molten state), extrusion (spinning into fibers in melted state), coating, finishing and dyeing. After analysis of the obtained compounds and textile fibers, it is determined which chemical technology is most suitable for complete (100%) bio-based textile products. In addition, these processes are being investigated on a pilot scale and various companies are continuing to develop tufted carpet, clothing, bedding and non-woven carpet backing. The bio-based additives, fibers and applications are also examined for the environmental impact in the various development stages by means of a life cycle analysis (LCA).

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