Nanollose Limited, a company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, has filed a joint patent application for a production process that has the ability to produce an environmentally friendly nullarbor lyocell fibre that uses microbial cellulose instead of tree pulp.
It has filed the application with Grasim Industries Ltd, one of the largest Viscose Staple Fibre (VSF) producers globally.
The joint patent application is for a reportedly superior and environmentally friendly lyocell, which is finer than silk and significantly stronger than conventional lyocell made from wood pulp.
Birla Cellulose, Grasim’s business unit focused on sustainable fibres, is among the largest producers of man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCF), and this, combined with their expertise and capabilities in fibre production, represents a new opportunity for Nanollose to advance the commercialisation of tree-free options.
Nanollose chairman Dr Wayne Best praised the venture.
“We are extremely pleased with the progress of our collaboration with Grasim and Birla Cellulose which has already delivered this patent application.
The nullarbor fibre produced by the team at Birla Cellulose has exceeded our expectations, and we now have a fibre that is not only more eco-friendly but has superior properties over conventional tree-based fibres.
“We are very much looking forward to commencing the pilot production and presenting textiles made from this remarkable fibre to the fashion industry.”
As well as being environmentally friendly, the nullarbor lyocell fibre produced by a team of fibre experts at Grasim's Pulp and Fibre Innovation Centre in India, is finer than silk and significantly stronger than conventional lyocell made from wood pulp.
Commenting on the patent, the CTO for Aditya Birla Group and Birla Cellulose, Dr. Aspi Patel, said it is groundbreaking.
"This innovative development is another important step in our continuing journey to make our fibres more sustainable.
"This is an exciting development in the area of next generation alternative feedstock and we are looking forward to scaling up this technology in collaboration with Nanollose.”
The joint patent application follows a Collaboration Agreement which Nanollose signed with Grasim Industries Limited (Birla Cellulose) in February 2020.