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Towards Closed-Loop Manufacturing – Sateri Enters China’s Lyocell Fibre Market - Bio-based News -



Sateri has successfully commenced production of Lyocell fibre in Rizhao, Shandong, China. In collaboration with Asia Symbol, China’s leading producer of pulp and packaging board, the newly installed 20,000 ton per annum production line will broaden Sateri’s portfolio of high quality fibre products, and bolster Lyocell supply to the textile and non-woven markets.

Industry associations such as the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) welcome the news. Duan Xiaoping, Deputy President of CNTAC and President of the China Chemical Fibers Association (CCFA), said, “Lyocell is not only a higher value product but also an eco-friendly fibre that is bio-based and minimises chemical use and emissions. Sateri’s investment in Lyocell is very much aligned with the aim for technical and product upgrading for China’s textile industry.”

A natural and biodegradable fibre, Sateri’s Lyocell is made from wood pulp sourced from sustainable plantations. It is manufactured using closed-loop technology, requiring minimal chemical input during the production process, and utilising an organic solvent that can be almost fully recovered and recycled. Lyocell is used to produce high quality textiles and personal hygiene materials. Textiles made from Lyocell possess high tenacity and bright lustre, and share similar qualities with textiles made from viscose – soft and silky with good drape, breathability, and absorption.

Allen Zhang, President of Sateri, said, “The in-house development of Lyocell is part of Sateri’s pursuit of innovation.  We have worked intensively on developing this in recent years. While we may be the world’s largest viscose producer, we are not wedded to any single technology or process for fibre production. We are steadfast in our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement even in the face of global health and economic challenges currently confronting us.”

Sateri is part of the RGE group of companies which has committed to investing USD200 million to advance next-generation textile fibre innovation and technology. In March this year, Sateri achieved a breakthrough in commercial production of viscose using recycled textile waste.

About SateriSateri is the world’s largest producer of viscose fibre, a natural and sustainable raw material found in everyday items like textiles, baby wipes and personal hygiene products.  Our range of high quality viscose products is independently verified as safe and responsibly produced.

Our five mills in China collectively produce about 1.4 million metric tonnes of viscose fibre yearly. We also operate a yarn spinning mill. Headquartered in Shanghai, where we have a sales, marketing and customer service network covering Asia, Europe and the Americas, Sateri is strategically positioned to serve the China market which is the world’s largest and fastest growing market for viscose fibre.

Sateri is committed to sustainable development. We actively engage communities living around our mills, providing them meaningful employment and social services that meet community needs. Our Sustainability Policy and Sustainable Pulp Sourcing Policy govern our operations, in compliance with national and international environment, health and safety standards.

Source: Sateri, press release, 2020-05-25.

Publication date: 02/06/2020

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This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 837761.