Sateri enters China’s lyocell fibre market

Sateri, the largest producer of viscose fibre, has commenced production of lyocell fibre in Rizhao, Shandong, China. In collaboration with Asia Symbol, a producer of pulp and packaging board, the new 20,000 tonne per annum production line will broaden Sateri’s portfolio of high quality fibre products and bolster lyocell supply to textile and nonwoven markets.

“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,” Duan Xiaoping, deputy president of China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) and president of the China Chemical Fibres Association (CCFA).

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.

“The in-house development of lyocell is part of Sateri’s pursuit of innovation. We have worked intensively on developing this in recent years,” Allen Zhang, president of Sateri, said.

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 $200 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.