"Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2021" contest was organized by the International Conference on Cellulose Fibres (CCF). Around 190 candidates and companies participated in the contest.

Michael Carus, CEO of nova-Institute and initiator of the conference appraises the success of their first Conference on Cellulose Fibres in 2020 and is highly motivated to facilitate upcoming industries with an ideal platform for exchange and networking. The fashion industry, despite the coronavirus, is very optimistic about the coming years and many new solutions based on cellulose have been presented at the conference.

 Along with raising awareness for banning single-use plastics for multiple products and replacing them with cellulosic solutions, there is rapid development in technology as well to carry out the innovations which were earlier believed to be impossible for cellulosic fibers. In the conference, the three winners presented cost-effective and high-performance cellulose alternatives which would, in turn, reduce the cost and carbon footprint. Around 190 participants responded from 22 countries through an online format of the conference and the competition was carried out through webinars and video chats. 

The first place was won by Stora Enso from Sweden for Cellulose Foam lightweight packaging. The material is bio-based, biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable in ordinary paper recycling. The second place was won by Kelheim Fibres from Germany for plant-based solutions for plastic-free absorbent hygiene products. Lastly, the third place went to Metsä Spring from Finland who developed textile fiber based on paper grade pulp.