Kuura fibres find uses in various textile applications. In addition to being applicable as such, the fibres can also be mixed with other textile-grade fibres depending on the requirements of the final application. Recently, fabrics prepared from a mixture of Kuura fibres and textile-grade, recycled polyester fibres was successfully used for the upholstery of a bio-based automotive seat. The seats were made in collaboration between Polish vehicle seat manufacturer Intap and Metsä Group as part of the bio-based automotive interior material demonstrators generated in the BIOMOTIVE project. Production of the staple fibre, yarn and fabrics was another fruitful collaboration including TITK (Germany), Litija (Slovenia) and Wilhelm Kneitz (Germany).

The BIOMOTIVE project received funding from the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 745766. The project developed bio-based automotive interior parts with enhanced technical performance, improved environmental profile and economic competitiveness. Production of novel textile fibres was a part of the R&D entity in BIOMOTIVE. For more information, please go to: www.biomotive.info.