Wolfgang Plasser

Vice President Global Business Management Nonwovens, Lenzing AG

Born 1966, Master in Polymer and Plastics Processing
•      26 years' experience in plastics, packaging, textile and hygiene industries
•      Leadership roles in all areas: production, quality management, marketing, sales

1991-93:              Plant Manager Polyimid Fibers and Powder
1993-1996:          Quality Manager Lenzing Plastics GmbH
1996-99:              Production Manager Lenzing Plastics GmbH
1999-2009:          Managing Director Lenzing Plastics GmbH
2009-13:              VP Global Business Unit Nonwoven Fibers Lenzing AG
2013-16:              VP Global Sales Lenzing AG
2016-present:      VP Global Business Management Nonwoven Fibers Lenzing AG

Biodegradability of Wood-based Cellulose Fibers

The accumulation of plastics litter and its debris in the environment has received a lot of attention, both within the concerned public as well as within the scientific community. Rayon fibers were identified in a research study in 2014 as a major source of microplastics debris in the deep-sea. Those lead to misleading wording for the wood-based cellulose fibers in the media especially in relation to flushability topic for moist toilet tissue in the last 2 years. The paper presents:

•Terminology and categories of different fibers used in the nonwovens industries

• 100 percent biodegradability of wood-based cellulose fibers TENCEL® fiber and Lenzing Viscose® in a range of natural environments

•New studies demonstrate that research conducted in relation to fiber debris found in the deep sea did not attempt to differentiate between man_made and natural cellulose fiber