A Revolutionary Innovation for the Future of Disposable Applications
As the demand for sustainable materials continues to rise, bio-based fibers are gaining importance in the textile and hygiene industries. Cellulose-based fibers are widely preferred due to their natural origin and processability. However, alternative biomaterials vary in terms of their mechanical performance and compatibility with existing production processes.
Cellulose-based materials are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, but they are sensitive to water and chemicals. On the other hand, Thermoplastics are more durable, formable and cost-effective, but their environmental impact is more negative. Cellulose should be preferred for sustainability and thermoplastics for durability.
In this context, cellulose plays a crucial role in hygiene-focused applications such as spunlace nonwovens, while new bio-based materials are also expanding their market presence. Among these, PLA (Polylactic Acid) is emerging as the most viable competitor to cellulose.
PLA and Alternative Biomaterials
PLA is a bio-based and biodegradable material developed to replace conventional plastics. While it is not the only bio-based fiber suitable for spunlace processes, it distinguishes itself with superior processability and mechanical strength among biodegradable alternatives. Meanwhile, alternative biomaterials such as PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate), and PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) are also striving to secure their place in the market.
Although PHA and PHB offer biodegradability, their lower processability and mechanical strength present challenges in industrial applications. PBAT, while having a better environmental profile than conventional plastics, does not provide as sustainable a solution as PLA.
PolyPlant® – Innovation in PLA Fiber
In addition to existing PLA fibers in the market, Fiberpartner’s brand PolyPlant® PLA-based fiber offers enhanced mechanical strength and superior processability than standard PLA fibers. There are several impact modifiers that were used to increase the toughness of PLA and PLA composites. However, the majority of them are not bio-based, they are mainly ethylene and acrylic copolymers. The fiber owned by Fiberpartner is a fiber technology made entirely with bio-based/biodegradable modifiers. With a specialized additive technology, PolyPlant® provides a much more efficient alternative in terms of processability. With its potential to push the boundaries in many nonwoven technologies both forming and bonding different applications, it is also set to accelerate transformation in the market.
One of the known limitations of PLA is its reduced durability over time, particularly after processing. However, Fiberpartner’s internal data on nonwovens made from PolyPlant® fibers indicates that strength loss remains minimal during the first six to seven months:
PolyPlant® fiber is a biodegradable and renewable polymer that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its environmentally friendly properties. It has been extensively studied for various applications in sectors such as textiles, packaging, and biomedical engineering.
Potential applications of PolyPlant® fibers include textiles, nonwovens, composites, and medical implants. In general, biopolymer fibers on the market offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic fibers, making them a promising material for future applications.
PolyPlant® fiber is an environmentally friendly product developed by Fiberpartner and has chosen with the right subsidiaries of the materials and designed to have:
- Superior durability and mechanical strength
- Versatile compatibility with existing nonwoven processes
- Enhanced thermal stability compared to conventional biopolymers
Our formulation combines shorter molecular chains with longer, more complex chains and is configured for specific use cases to match the basic specifications. The resulting biopolymer fibers demonstrate high thermoplastic performance, making them suitable for efficient spinning and stable textile surface formation.
Carbon Cycle of PLA
Since PolyPlant® fibers are entirely derived from sugar cane, their carbon footprint is significantly lower compared to petroleum-based plastics. Considering that CO2 is captured from the atmosphere by plants during photosynthesis, at the end of the life cycle this carbon is removed from the inventory analysis. Biobased PLA production has a 75% smaller carbon footprint, including biogenic carbon, compared to fossil-based plastics.1
The Future of Bio-Based Fibers
Bio-based and biodegradable fibers are expected to play an increasingly vital role in sustainable manufacturing. While cellulose-based fibers remain the dominant material, PLA and next-generation fibers offer significant advantages in terms of processability and durability.
Innovative solutions like PolyPlant® are poised to accelerate this transition, reinforcing the role of biomaterials in the nonwoven industry.
- Peer reviewed LCA analyses reference: Life Cycle Impact Assessment of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Produced from Sugarcane in Thailand | Journal of Polymers and the Environment.
