Sustainable wood fibers: current trends and the future

Hakemuksen tiivistelmä

Textile and fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Heavy use of pesticides, unsustainable irrigation in the cotton fields, dependence of petroleum-based synthetic fibers, non-biodegradable solid waste, microplastics in waterways are some examples of the environmental problems what the textile industry currently faces. The industry is looking for sustainable alternative raw materials that is also economically feasible. Exemplary growth in the textile industry in recent decades also mean huge investments in the infrastructure, established supply chain and technically informed workers. Any change in the raw materials means disturbing the entire ecosystem. However, it is important to move towards sustainable materials and circular economy. Biodegradable and sustainably produced wood fibers are believed to be able to replace currently produced fibers in a global market with slight disturbance in the ecosystem. Finland and Sweden, countries with many forest based product, is the forerunner of new generation wood fiber production. However, the knowledge has not been transferred to peers in textile production countries like India, Bangladesh and China. The aim of this project is to write a comprehensive book about the wood fibers directed towards researchers, people within textile industry and consumers. Attention will be given to sources of the raw material, new production methods, environmental benefits and comparing production and quality of the traditional fiber to alternatives. Information will be collected by literature review, interviews and industrial visits. The applicants have studied and worked within the field of bio- and synthetic fibers and have the required competence to write and publish the above said handbook: Sustainable wood fibers: current trends and the future.