DITF, RBX Créations develops hemp-based pulp for filament-spun cellulose fibers

A partnership between the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) and RBX Créations (Jonzac, France), an SME developing sustainable materials with hemp and flax cellulose, has resulted in a hemp-based pulp and its further processing into filament-spun cellulose fibers.

Together, the companies present a complete textile production chain — from raw materials to processing, spinning technology and the realization of textile products. The raw hemp is grown and obtained locally (offering a low carbon footprint), which is then processed into a fine-fibered pulp in a process patented by RBX Créations, and dissolved in an ionic liquid. This then serves as the raw material for a wet spinning process developed at the DITF and patented under the name HighPerCell. The solution is spun into cellulose fibers in a precipitation bath — using a solvent that can be completely recovered and reused — for development of textile fibers, yarns and fabrics. 

Hemp cultivation is characterized by low water consumption, little or no use of chemicals due to high resistance to plant diseases and beneficial properties for soil regeneration. The remp-based cellulose fibers are reported to offer optimal mechanical properties, some of which are even better than those of established wood-based fibers. This makes them ideal for mechanical processing in knitting and weaving, the DITF and RBX report.

RBX Création has not only developed the processes for raw material preparation, but also manages additional processing of the fibers after production. With its network in the textile industry, RBX Création is responsible for the preparation of the yarns and coordinates the distribution of tasks with the textile manufacturing companies. The yarns and textile materials are marketed by RBX Création under Iroony. Knitted and woven fabrics have already been produced from this material. 

Both companies presented their developments and won the “ITMF International Cooperation Award 2024" category from the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF, Zürich, Switzerland) during the ITMF & IAF Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from Sept. 8-10.