EP4150155A1

EP4150155A1 - Beet chips as additives for pulp moulding

Info

Publication number: EP4150155A1
Application number: EP21726085.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Timo Johannes Koch; Julia SEEMANN; Arne Schirp
Original assignee: Pfeifer and Langen GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Pfeifer and Langen GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2020-05-14
Filing date: 2021-05-12
Publication date: 2023-03-22
Also published as: WO2021228975A1

Abstract

The invention relates to moulded fibre parts made of particles obtained from sugar beet, and to methods for producing moulded fibre parts of this kind, in particular by pulp moulding. The moulded fibre parts according to the invention are characterised by a reduced weight in comparison with conventional moulded fibre parts produced by pulp moulding, along with very good mechanical properties, while auxiliary materials, in particular the addition of adhesives, can be dispensed with. It has been found that the fibres in the particles hold together very well by themselves, which may be due to the natural content of pectin and other substances.

Description

Beet pulp as an additive for pulp casting

The priority of the European patent application No. 20 174 678.1 of May 14, 2020 is claimed.

The invention relates to molded fiber parts made of particles which have been obtained from sugar beet, as well as a method for producing such molded fiber parts, in particular by fiber casting. The molded fiber parts according to the invention are distinguished by a weight that is reduced compared to conventional molded fiber parts produced by fiber casting, with very good mechanical properties, and auxiliary materials, in particular the addition of adhesives, can be dispensed with. It was found that the fibers in the particles hold together very well by themselves, which is possibly due to the natural content of pectin and other ingredients.

[0003] Molded fiber parts are an alternative to petroleum-based materials or complex folding blanks made of cardboard. Today, molded fiber parts are produced using four manufacturing processes:

• Thick-walled products using the simple scooping process;

• Medium-thick to thin-walled parts in the transfer process;

• Medium-thick parts with increased contour accuracy in the repressing process;

• Fine products in thermoforming process.

The fiber raw material is entered in a container with a stirrer (pulper) and whipped and mixed in the liquid (primarily water). The resulting fiber suspension is the starting material for the later fiber form. The fiber material used is primarily organic fiber material (waste paper, cellulose, grass, hemp, cotton, etc.), depending on the subsequent application of the fiber body. In special applications, the fiber material also consists of plastic, metal or mineral substances. Most of the fibers are suspended in water. The use of other liquids is reserved for special applications. In any case, the fibers are evenly distributed in the liquid. The fiber concentration will vary according to the requirements of the application.

In each of these processes, a suction mold is used which is immersed in the fiber suspension. The liquid is sucked off through the pores of the suction mold. During the dewatering process, fiber mass is deposited on the surface of the suction mold and forms the desired fiber body. During the dewatering process, the fiber mass is solidified to such an extent that it can be removed from the suction mold as a moist molded fiber part or transferred to a transfer mold. In the simplest case (Scooping process) the moist molded fiber part is transferred directly from the suction mold to a conveyor belt of a drying device. In the transfer process, the moist molded fiber part is transferred from the suction mold to a transfer mold. The moist molded fiber part is thus supported by the additional transfer mold when it is transferred to the conveyor belt of the dryer. The re-pressing process follows on from the transfer process. When the drying process is complete, the parts are pressed into shape in a further work step under high pressure. In the thermoforming process, the moist molded fiber part is transferred from the suction mold to a heated press mold, which means that the pressing takes place in one operation with the drying process.

[0006] The conventional molded fiber parts produced by this method are not satisfactory in every respect and there is a need for improved molded fiber parts.

A. Dufresne et al., J Appl Polym Sci (1997) 64: 1185-1194 relates to the mechanical behavior of arches made from cellulose microfibrils from sugar beet.

J. Leitner et al., Cellulose (2007) 14: 419-425 relates to composite materials which are reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils from sugar beet.

Y. Habibi et al., Cellulose (2008) 15: 177-185 relates to the synthesis of celluronic acid by TEMPO-mediated oxidation of cellulose III from sugar beet pulp.

I. Simkovic, J Therm Anal Calorim (2012) 109: 1445-1455 relates to flame-repellent composite materials made from sugar beet cossettes.

US 5,849,152 relates to a method for the production of molded parts, in particular molded packaging items, from biodegradable material using a viscous mass which contains biodegradable fiber material, water and starch, and which is fired in a baking pan to form a fiber starch composite material to build.

US 6,074,856 relates to the use of fermented sugar beet pulp for the production of paper or cardboard.

US2007 / 0292643 relates to biodegradable compositions which contain a foamed, gelling hydrocolloid system to which a setting agent and a fiber material with or without other optional components are added. EP 0 556 774 relates to a biodegradable molded article made by molding a residue under pressure.

EP 0 644293 relates to a method for producing paper from sugar beet pulp comprising the steps of drying the integral sugar beet pulp, grinding the dried pulp to a particle size of 0.1 to 500 μm, adding the pulp to a cellulose mixture to produce paper and converting the mixture to paper in a paper machine.

EP 1 176 174 discloses a degradable material which contains 30% by weight to 90% by weight of a vegetable fiber and 10% by weight to 60% by weight of an adhesive, the adhesive material being a modified urea-formaldehyde - Contains resin and one or more macromolecular materials.

EP 2 547 599 provides a molded article comprising sugar beet pulp. In addition, a method for producing such molded articles is described.

[0018] WO 97/32792 relates to the use of a paper material, the pulp of which consists at least partially of a fiber material of vegetable origin, which comes from the waste material of the food industry, for the production of food containers such as bowls.

WO 01/16428 discloses a mold with an integrated screen comprising a body of material having a surface, the body having a grid-like pattern of vacuum holes extending through the body of material and opening through the surface, allowing the surface to apply a vacuum, with a sieve lying over it, the surface, the sieve and the body being made of the same material as the body and being in one piece.

WO 2019/112428 relates to a method and a system for producing a three-dimensional packaging material from a shaped cellulose material and such a packaging unit.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved molded fiber parts. The molded fiber parts should be able to be produced inexpensively and from sustainable raw materials, ideally be biodegradable. In addition, the molded fiber parts should have good mechanical properties with low weight. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for producing such molded fiber parts. The process should be economical and easy to carry out, ideally using conventional equipment.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the claims. [0023] It has surprisingly been found that molded fiber parts can be produced by fiber casting from sugar beet cossettes, which are obtained as a by-product in the extraction of sugar from sugar beet, which are made by a reduced weight compared to conventional fiber molded parts produced by fiber casting with constant or even improved mechanical properties.

[0024] It was also surprisingly found that molded fiber parts can be produced from a mixture of sugar beet pulp and other natural fibers, for example fibers obtained from eucalyptus, which have constant or even improved mechanical properties compared to conventional molded fiber parts produced by fiber casting . In particular, the layer thickness of such molded fiber parts is reduced compared to conventional molded fiber parts produced by fiber casting.

In addition, it has surprisingly been found that a mixture consisting of around 50% by weight of sugar beet pulp and around 50% by weight of other natural fibers is suitable for producing molded fiber parts with increased breaking strength and constant or even have an increased width-related breaking strength and a constant or even increased tensile index compared to conventional molded fiber parts produced by fiber casting.

In particular, it has surprisingly been found that a mixture of about 50% by weight of dry sugar beet pulp with about 50% by weight of other natural fibers is suitable for producing molded fiber parts which have an increased breaking force, an increased breaking force based on width and have an increased tensile index with constant elongation compared to conventional molded fiber parts made by fiber casting.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a molded fiber part comprising particles which have been obtained from sugar beet or from sugar beet cossettes.

The molded fiber parts according to the invention are preferably produced by fiber casting, it being possible in particular to distinguish between simple scooping processes, transfer processes, thermoforming processes and post-pressing processes as variants.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing such a molded fiber part, preferably by fiber casting, comprising the steps

(a) providing a suspension of solids, which comprises particles obtained from sugar beet, in a liquid; (b) depositing at least a portion of the solids on a mold; and

(c) drying the deposited solids to obtain the molded fiber article.

In step (a) of the method according to the invention, a suspension of solids, which comprises particles obtained from sugar beet, is provided in a liquid.

The suspension of solids, which comprises particles obtained from sugar beet, is preferably an aqueous suspension, i.e. the liquid preferably comprises water or an aqueous solution.

[0032] The liquid is preferably an aqueous solution which comprises at least one dissolved ingredient selected from organic and inorganic substances. Preferred ingredients are

(i) Oxidizing agents, such as, for example, CL, O ₂ , O3, CIO ₂ , H ₂ O ₂ , NaC1O ₂ , NaOCl, HCO ₃ H, H ₂ SO ₅ , H ₂ S ₂ O ₈ ;

(ii) acids such as HCO ₂ H, CH ₃ CO ₂ H, C1CH ₂ CO ₂ H, H ₃ BO ₃ , HCl, HBr, H ₃ PO ₄ , H ₂ SO ₃ , H ₂ SO ₄ ;

(iii) bases such as NaHCO ₃ , Na ₂ CO ₃ , NaOH, KOH, Mg (OH) ₂ , Ca (OH) ₂ ;

(iv) sulfites or SO ₂ , such as, for example, Na ₂ SO ₃ , (NH ₄ ) ₂ SO ₃ , Ca (HSO ₃ ) ₂ ;

(v) sulfates, such as Na ₂ SO ₄ , FeSO ₄ , MgSO ₄ , CaSO ₄ ;

(vi) sulfonates such as lignosulfonate;

(vii) other inorganic salts such as NaBr, K, | Fc (CN) 6], Na ₂ SiO ₃ , Na ₂ S, Na ₂ S ₂ O ₄ ;

(viii) organic aromatic or heteroaromatic compounds, such as, for example, furfuryl alcohol, anthhraquinone;

(ix) organic heterocyclic compounds such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl (TEMPO);

(x) enzymes such as endoglucanases (cellulases), xylanases;

(xi) or their respective reaction products with one another or with other constituents of the suspension.

Such suspensions are also commonly referred to as "pulps".

The liquid can furthermore contain further additives which are usually added to pulps of natural fibers in order to improve their properties. Such additives are known to a person skilled in the art and are commercially available. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid or the suspension produced from the liquid contains a dispersant as an additive. Suitable dispersants are known to a person skilled in the art and are commercially available, including under the designation "softeners" or "debinding agents". Preferred dispersants include quaternary compounds, in particular quaternary ammonium compounds, for example quaternary ester ammonium compounds, quaternary imidazoline compounds, etc. The quaternary compounds are preferably processed into an aqueous emulsion, optionally with the addition of a suitable surfactant. In preferred embodiments, the dispersant contains a modified siloxane in order to improve the flexibility of the molded fiber part. The amount of the dispersant is preferably in the range from 0.5 to 1.5 kg per ton of suspension.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid or the suspension produced from the liquid contains a sterilizing agent as an additive. Suitable sterilizing agents are known to a person skilled in the art and are commercially available. Preferably the sterilant comprises chlorine dioxide.

The suspension can also contain customary fillers, which are preferably also at least partially suspended. Ultimately, the molded fiber part according to the invention also preferably contains fillers, i.e. in the production of the molded fiber part according to the invention, at least some of the fillers which have been added to the suspension are preferably deposited together with the remaining solids of the suspension. Suitable fillers are known to a person skilled in the art and are commercially available. Preferred fillers are inorganic salts or minerals.

The particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention were obtained from sugar beets. The sugar beets were preferably grown for the primary production of sucrose and the majority of the sucrose was separated from the particles. Nevertheless, the particles according to the invention usually comprise residual amounts of sucrose.

The particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention can be spherical or else have other shapes, for example cylinders, or they can also be fibrous.

The particles according to the invention which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention comprise particles which have been obtained from sugar beets. Accordingly, the particles according to the invention which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention can also contain other particles (additional particles) in addition to the particles obtained from sugar beets. In a preferred embodiment, the particles according to the invention, which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, essentially consist of particles obtained from sugar beets.

According to the invention, the sugar beets (Beta vulgaris) are preferably those species which are preferably grown for the production of sucrose. According to the invention, preference is given to using the sugar beet residues which remain after the majority of the sucrose originally present has been separated off, usually by aqueous extraction. These sugar beet residues are often in the form of sugar beet pulp.

[0043] Sugar beet pulp (also referred to as “beet pulp” for short) has the advantage over other natural fibers that they are not grown separately as a by-product of sugar production, but are already present in excess during production. Compared to wood or plant fibers such as sisal, cotton or flax, however, they contain high amounts of hemicelluloses (approx. 22-31 w%) and pectins (approx. 25-30 w%) with a low content of lignins (2nd -7 w%).

In a preferred embodiment, the particles obtained from sugar beets which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention contain sucrose and the sucrose content in the particles is at most 75% by weight, more preferably at most 50 % By weight, even more preferably at most 25% by weight, most preferably at most 10% by weight, and in particular at most 5% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the particles.

The content of other mono- and disaccharides, which are different from sucrose and may possibly be contained in the particles, is preferably low.

The glucose content in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably at most 5.0% by weight, more preferably at most 4.0% by weight, even more preferably at most 3.0% by weight, most preferably at most 2.0% by weight, and in particular at most 1.0% by weight, based in each case on the dry weight of the particles.

The fructose content in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably at most 5.0% by weight, more preferably at most 4.0% by weight, even more preferably at most 3.0% by weight, most preferably at most 2.0% by weight, and in particular at most 1.0% by weight, based in each case on the dry weight of the particles. The particles according to the invention can contain lignin, although the lignin content is preferably comparatively low. The content of lignin in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably at most 5.0% by weight, more preferably at most 4.0% by weight, even more preferably at most 3.5% by weight %, most preferably at most 3.0% by weight, and in particular at most 2.5% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the particles.

The particles according to the invention which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention typically contain cellulose and hemicellulose, at least some of which are in the form of fibers. As a result of these fibers, the suspension according to the invention is particularly suitable for producing molded fiber parts.

By nature, sugar beets have a comparatively high content of pectin.

The particles according to the invention which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention preferably have the pectin content that remains in the sugar beet pulp after extraction of the sucrose, ie they are not particularly effective for reducing the pectin content treated. The pectin content is preferably in the range from 14 to 34% by weight, more preferably 16 to 32% by weight, even more preferably 18 to 30% by weight, most preferably 20 to 28% by weight, and in particular 22 to 26% by weight, based in each case on the dry weight of the particles.

The cellulose content in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably at least 2.5% by weight, more preferably at least 5.0% by weight, even more preferably at least 10% by weight, most preferably at least 15% by weight, and in particular at least 20% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the particles.

The cellulose content in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably at most 45% by weight, more preferably at most 40% by weight, even more preferably at most 35 % By weight, most preferably at most 30% by weight, and in particular at most 25% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the particles.

The cellulose content in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably in the range of 22 ± 15% by weight, more preferably 22 ± 12% by weight, even more preferably 22 ± 9% by weight, most preferably 22 ± 6% by weight, and in particular 22 ± 3% by weight, based in each case on the dry weight of the particles. The hemicellulose content in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably at least 2.5% by weight, more preferably at least 5.0% by weight, even more preferably at least 10% by weight, most preferably at least 15% by weight, and in particular at least 20% by weight, based in each case on the dry weight of the particles.

The hemicellulose content in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably at most 45% by weight, more preferably at most 40% by weight, even more preferably at most 35% by weight. -%, most preferably at most 30% by weight, and in particular at most 25% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the particles.

The hemicellulose content in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably in the range of 22 ± 15% by weight, more preferably 22 ± 12% by weight. , more preferably 22 ± 9% by weight, most preferably 22 ± 6% by weight, and in particular 22 ± 3% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the particles.

The particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention can have different degrees of moisture, which can optionally be set by drying under suitable conditions.

In preferred embodiments, the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention have a water content of at most 35% by weight, at most 30% by weight, at most 25% by weight, at most 20 % By weight, or at most 15% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the particles.

In preferred embodiments, the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention have a water content of at most 10% by weight, at most 9.0% by weight, at most 8.0% by weight. %, not more than 7.0% by weight, not more than 6.0% by weight, not more than 5.0% by weight, not more than 4.0% by weight, not more than 3.0% by weight, not more than 2, 0% by weight, or at most 1.0% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the particles.

In preferred embodiments, the water content of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is in the range of 5.0 ± 4.9% by weight, or 7.5 ± 7.4 or 7.5 ± 5.0% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the particles.

The particles according to the invention which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention can contain crude protein. The content of crude protein in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably at least 1.0% by weight, more preferably at least 3.0% by weight, even more preferably at least 5.0% by weight, most preferably at least 7.0% by weight, and in particular at least 9.0% by weight, based in each case on the dry weight of the particles.

The content of crude protein in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably at most 18% by weight, more preferably at most 16% by weight, even more preferably at most 14% by weight. -%, most preferably at most 12% by weight, and in particular at most 10% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the particles.

The content of crude protein in the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention is preferably still in the range of 10 ± 9% by weight, more preferably 10 ± 8% by weight more preferably 10 ± 7% by weight, most preferably 10 ± 6% by weight, and in particular 10 ± 5% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the particles.

In principle, it is possible for the production of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention to use sugar beet pulp which has been sprayed with a further by-product of sugar production during processing. In particular, molasses can be sprayed over the sugar beet pulp before drying, on the one hand to enable better pressing into pellets and on the other hand to make it suitable for use as animal feed.

According to the invention, however, it is preferred if the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention are produced from sugar beet cossettes which have not been appropriately pretreated, in particular not sprayed with molasses.

In a preferred embodiment, the solids of the suspension provided in step (a) comprise, in addition to the particles obtained from sugar beet, additional particles which were obtained from plants or parts of plants which differ from sugar beet (additional particles).

In a preferred embodiment, the molded fiber part according to the invention or the solids of the suspension provided in step (a) consist essentially of the particles obtained from sugar beets. In this case, the content of the particles is that of sugar beet were obtained, essentially 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the molded fiber part or the solids of the suspension.

In another preferred embodiment, the molded fiber part according to the invention or the solids of the suspension provided in step (a) comprise additional particles which were obtained from plants or plant parts which differ from sugar beets. Particularly suitable additional particles are those particles which have been obtained from wood, flax, hemp, sisal, mud, jute, sunflower and / or rice.

The additional particles were preferably obtained from wood.

Additional particles according to the invention can be obtained from deciduous trees (hereinafter also referred to as "hardwood") and from conifers (hereinafter also referred to as softwood). Typically, the fibers contained therein can be short (typically for hardwood fibers) or long (typically Examples of short-fiber materials include fibers obtained from fiber sources selected from the group: acacia, eucalyptus, maple, oak, aspen, birch, cottonwood, alder, ash, cherry, elm , Hickory, poplar, rubber tree, walnut, black locust, plane tree, beech, trumpet tree, sassafras, gmelina, silk tree, anthrophalus and magnolia. Examples of long-fiber fabrics include fibers made from pine, spruce, fir, tamarack, Hemlock, cypress and cedar can be obtained.

The additional particles were preferably obtained from a hardwood.

The additional particles were preferably obtained from eucalyptus. The additional particles were particularly preferably obtained from one of the eucalyptus species Eucalyptus grandis or Eucalyptus globus.

In a preferred embodiment, the additional particles contain lignin and the lignin content in the additional particles is at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, and even more preferably at least 30% by weight, each based on the dry weight of the additional particles.

In a preferred embodiment, the additional particles contain lignin and the lignin content in the additional particles is at most 45% by weight, more preferably at most 40% by weight, and even more preferably at most 35% by weight, each based on the dry weight of the additional particles. In a preferred embodiment, the additional particles contain lignin and the lignin content in the additional particles is in the range from 20 to 45% by weight, based on the dry weight of the additional particles; more preferably 25 to 40% by weight, and even more preferably 30 to 35% by weight.

Methods for determining the lignin content in pulps are known to a person skilled in the art. According to the invention, the determination is preferably carried out in accordance with DIN ISO 21436.

In a preferred embodiment, the additional particles contain fibers.

The mean fiber length of the fibers of the additional particles is preferably at least 300 μm, more preferably at least 400 μm, even more preferably at least 500 μm, most preferably at least 600 μm, and in particular at least 700 μm.

The mean fiber length of the fibers of the additional particles is preferably at most 1200 μm, more preferably at most 1100 μm, even more preferably at most 1000 μm, most preferably at most 900 μm, and in particular at most 800 μm.

The mean fiber length of the fibers of the additional particles is preferably in the range from 400 to 1200 μm; more preferably 500 to 1100 μm, even more preferably 600 to 1000 μm, most preferably 600 to 900 μm, and in particular 650 to 850 μm.

Methods for determining the mean fiber length (weight-average fiber length) are known to a person skilled in the art. According to the invention, the determination is preferably carried out in accordance with DIN ISO 22314.

In preferred embodiments, the relative weight fraction of the additional particles makes up at most 75% by weight, more preferably at most 70% by weight, even more preferably at most 65% by weight, most preferably at most 60% by weight, and in particular at most 55% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the totality of all particles, ie based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet plus the dry weight of the additional particles.

In preferred embodiments, the relative weight fraction of the additional particles makes up at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, even more preferably at least 40% by weight, most preferably at least 45% by weight, and in particular at least 50% by weight, based in each case on the dry weight of the totality of all particles, ie based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet plus the dry weight of the additional particles. In preferred embodiments, the relative weight fraction of the particles obtained from sugar beets is in the range from 20 to 80% by weight, more preferably 30 to 70% by weight, even more preferably 40 to 60% by weight, and most preferably 45 to 55% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the totality of all particles, ie based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet plus the dry weight of the additional particles.

In preferred embodiments, the relative weight fraction of the additional particles is in the range of 20 ± 10% by weight, or 25 ± 20% by weight, or 25 ± 10% by weight, or 30 ± 20% by weight , or 30 ± 10% by weight, or 35 ± 20% by weight, or 35 ± 10% by weight, or 40 ± 20% by weight, or 40 ± 10% by weight, or 45 ± 20 % By weight, or 45 ± 10% by weight, or 50 ± 20% by weight, or 50 ± 10% by weight, or 55 ± 20% by weight, or 55 ± 10% by weight, or 60 ± 20% by weight, or 60 ± 10% by weight, or 65 ± 20% by weight, or 65 ± 10% by weight, or 70 ± 20% by weight, or 70 ± 10% by weight, or %, or 75 ± 20% by weight, or 75 ± 10% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the totality of all particles, ie based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet plus the dry weight of the additional particles.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the relative weight proportion of the additional particles is at least 50% by weight, based on the dry weight of the totality of all particles, ie based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet plus the dry weight of the additional particles Particles.

In preferred embodiments, the relative weight fraction of the particles obtained from sugar beets is at most 75% by weight, more preferably at most 70% by weight, even more preferably at most 65% by weight, most preferably at most 60% by weight , and in particular at most 55% by weight, each based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet and the dry weight of the totality of all particles, ie based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet plus the dry weight of the additional particles.

In preferred embodiments, the relative weight fraction of the particles obtained from sugar beets is at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, even more preferably at least 40% by weight, most preferably at least 45% by weight , and in particular at least 50% by weight, based in each case on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet and the dry weight of the totality of all particles, ie based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet plus the dry weight of the additional particles.

In preferred embodiments, the relative weight fraction of the particles obtained from sugar beet is in the range from 20 to 80% by weight, more preferably 30 to 70% by weight, even more preferably 40 to 60% by weight, and most preferably 45 to 55% by weight, based in each case on the dry weight the particles obtained from sugar beet and the dry weight of the totality of all particles, ie based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet plus the dry weight of the additional particles.

In preferred embodiments, the relative weight fraction of the particles obtained from sugar beet is in the range of 20 ± 10% by weight, or 25 ± 20% by weight, or 25 ± 10% by weight, or 30 ± 20 % By weight, or 30 ± 10% by weight, or 35 ± 20% by weight, or 35 ± 10% by weight, or 40 ± 20% by weight, or 40 ± 10% by weight, or 45 ± 20% by weight, or 45 ± 10% by weight, or 50 ± 20% by weight, or 50 ± 10% by weight, or 55 ± 20% by weight, or 55 ± 10% by weight, or %, or 60 ± 20% by weight, or 60 ± 10% by weight, or 65 ± 20% by weight, or 65 ± 10% by weight, or 70 ± 20% by weight, or 70 ± 10% by weight, or 75 ± 20% by weight, or 75 ± 10% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet and the dry weight of the totality of all particles, ie based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet plus the dry weight of the additional particles.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the relative weight fraction of the particles obtained from sugar beet is at least 50% by weight, based on the dry weight of the particles obtained from sugar beet and the dry weight of the totality of all particles, ie based on the dry weight of the particles Sugar beet particles plus the dry weight of the additional particles.

The content of the particles according to the invention and optionally additional particles based on the total weight of the molded fiber part can vary considerably depending on the requirements for the end product (molded part) and depending on the desired production method.

In preferred embodiments, the content of the additional particles is at least 5% by weight, at least 10% by weight, at least 15% by weight, at least 20% by weight, at least 25% by weight, at least 30% by weight %, at least 35% by weight, at least 40% by weight, at least 45% by weight, at least 50% by weight, at least 55% by weight, at least 60% by weight, at least 65% by weight -%, at least 70% by weight, at least 75% by weight, at least 80% by weight, at least 85% by weight, at least 90% by weight, or at least 95% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the molded fiber part or the solids of the suspension.

In preferred embodiments, the content of the additional particles is at most 95% by weight, at most 90% by weight, at most 85% by weight, at most 80% by weight, at most 75% by weight, at most 70% by weight %, at most 65% by weight, at most 60% by weight, at most 55% by weight, at most 50% by weight, at most 45% by weight, at most 40% by weight, at most 35% by weight. -%, at most 30% by weight, at most 25% by weight, at most 20% by weight, at most 15% by weight, at most 10% by weight, or at most 5% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the molded fiber part or the solids of the suspension.

In preferred embodiments, the content of the additional particles is in the range of 10 ± 5% by weight; 20 ± 15% by weight, 20 ± 10% by weight, 20 ± 5% by weight; 30 ± 25% by weight, 30 ± 20% by weight, 30 ± 15% by weight, 30 ± 10% by weight, 30 ± 5% by weight; 40 ± 35% by weight, 40 ± 30% by weight, 40 ± 25% by weight, 40 ± 20% by weight, 40 ± 15% by weight, 40 ± 10% by weight, 40 ± 5 wt%; 50 ± 45% by weight, 50 ± 40% by weight, 50 ± 35% by weight, 50 ± 30% by weight, 50 ± 25% by weight, 50 ± 20% by weight, 50 ± 15 wt%, 50 ± 10 wt%, 50 ± 5 wt%; 60 ± 35% by weight, 60 ± 30% by weight, 60 ± 25% by weight, 60 ± 20% by weight, 60 ± 15% by weight, 60 ± 10% by weight, 60 ± 5% by weight; 70 ± 25% by weight, 70 ± 20% by weight, 70 ± 15% by weight, 70 ± 10% by weight, 70 ± 5% by weight; 80 ± 15% by weight, 80 ± 10% by weight, 80 ± 5% by weight; or 90 ± 5% by weight; in each case based on the total weight of the molded fiber part or the solids of the suspension.

In preferred embodiments, the content of the particles obtained from sugar beets is at least 5% by weight, at least 10% by weight, at least 15% by weight, at least 20% by weight, at least 25% by weight. -%, at least 30% by weight, at least 35% by weight, at least 40% by weight, at least 45% by weight, at least 50% by weight, at least 55% by weight, at least 60% by weight %, at least 65% by weight, at least 70% by weight, at least 75% by weight, at least 80% by weight, at least 85% by weight, at least 90% by weight, or at least 95% by weight %, in each case based on the total weight of the molded fiber part or the solids of the suspension.

In preferred embodiments, the content of the particles obtained from sugar beets is at most 95% by weight, at most 90% by weight, at most 85% by weight, at most 80% by weight, at most 75% by weight. -%, at most 70% by weight, at most 65% by weight, at most 60% by weight, at most 55% by weight, at most 50% by weight, at most 45% by weight, at most 40% by weight %, at most 35% by weight, at most 30% by weight, at most 25% by weight, at most 20% by weight, at most 15% by weight, at most 10% by weight, or at most 5% by weight %, in each case based on the total weight of the molded fiber part or the solids of the suspension.

In preferred embodiments, the content of the particles obtained from sugar beets is in the range of 10 ± 5% by weight; 20 ± 15% by weight, 20 ± 10% by weight, 20 ± 5% by weight; 30 ± 25% by weight, 30 ± 20% by weight, 30 ± 15% by weight, 30 ± 10% by weight, 30 ± 5% by weight; 40 ± 35% by weight, 40 ± 30% by weight, 40 ± 25% by weight, 40 ± 20% by weight, 40 ± 15% by weight, 40 ± 10% by weight, 40 ± 5 wt%; 50 ± 45% by weight, 50 ± 40% by weight, 50 ± 35% by weight, 50 ± 30% by weight, 50 ± 25% by weight, 50 ± 20% by weight, 50 ± 15 wt%, 50 ± 10 wt%, 50 ± 5 wt%; 60 ± 35% by weight, 60 ± 30% by weight, 60 ± 25% by weight, 60 ± 20% by weight, 60 ± 15% by weight, 60 ± 10% by weight, 60 ± 5 wt%; 70 ± 25% by weight, 70 ± 20% by weight, 70 ± 15% by weight, 70 ± 10% by weight %, 70 ± 5 wt%; 80 ± 15% by weight, 80 ± 10% by weight, 80 ± 5% by weight; or 90 ± 5% by weight; each based on the total weight of the molded fiber part or the solids of the suspension.

If the molded fiber part according to the invention has particles and additional particles in the sense of the above definition, the relative weight ratio of the particles to the additional particles is preferably in the range from 10: 1 to 1:10, or 8: 1 to 1: 8, or 6: 1 to 1: 6, or 4: 1 to 1: 4, or 2: 1 to 1: 2, or 10: 1 to 1: 1, or 8: 1 to 1: 1, or 6: 1 to 1: 1, or 4: 1 to 1: 1, or 2: 1 to 1: 1, or 1: 10 to 1: 1, or 1: 8 to 1: 1, or 1: 6 to 1 : 1, or 1: 4 to 1: 1, or 1: 2 to 1: 1.

The particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention preferably have an average particle size (Dy50, median) in the range from 5 to 5000 μm, preferably from 30 to 800 μm.

The grain size of the sugar beet pulp plays an important role. The extracted sugar-carrying parenchyma cells with a diameter of 40-60 μm and the supplying trachea with a diameter of 20-40 μm are destructured to different degrees by the degree of grinding.

In preferred embodiments, the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention have an average particle size of at least 10 μm, or at least 25 μm, or at least 50 μm, or at least 75 μm, or at least 100 μm, or at least 150 μm, or at least 200 μm, or at least 250 μm, or at least 300 μm, or at least 400 μm, or at least 500 μm.

In preferred embodiments, the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention have an average grain size of at most 5000 μm, or at most 4500 μm, or at most 4000 μm, or at most 3500 μm, or at most 3000 μm or a maximum of 2500 μm, or a maximum of 2000 μm, or a maximum of 1500 μm, or a maximum of 1000 μm.

In preferred embodiments, the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention have an average particle size in the range of 550 ± 500 μm, or 600 ± 500 μm, or 650 ± 500 μm, or 700 ± 500 μm, or 750 ± 500 μm, or 800 ± 500 μm, or 850 ± 500 μm, or 900 ± 500 μm, or 950 ± 500 μm, or 1000 ± 500 μm, or 1100 ± 500 μm, or 1500 ± 500 μm , or 1300 ± 500 μm, or 1400 ± 500 μm, or 1500 ± 500 μm, or 1600 ± 500 μm, or 1700 ± 500 μm, or 1800 ± 500 μm, or 1900 ± 500 μm, or 2000 ± 500 μm. In preferred embodiments, the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention have an average particle size in the range of 250 ± 200 μm, or 300 ± 200 μm, or 350 ± 200 μm, or 400 ± 200 μm, or 450 ± 200 μm, or 500 ± 200 μm, or 550 ± 200 μm, or 600 ± 200 μm, or 650 ± 200 μm, or 700 ± 200 μm, or 750 ± 200 μm, or 800 ± 200 μm , or 850 ± 200 μm, or 900 ± 200 μm, or 950 ± 200 μm, or 1000 ± 200 μm, or 1100 ± 200 μm, or 1200 ± 200 μm, or 1300 ± 200 μm, or 1400 ± 200 μm, or 1500 ± 200 μm, or 1600 ± 200 μm, or 1700 ± 200 μm, or 1800 ± 200 μm, or 1900 ± 200 μm, or 2000 ± 200 μm.

The grain size (or mean grain size) is preferably determined by sieve analysis (sieve classification). Here, a set is placed on top of one another with sieves that are becoming finer and finer at the bottom. The sample to be analyzed is poured into the uppermost sieve and the sieve set is then clamped into a sieving machine. The machine then shakes or vibrates the sieve set for a certain period of time, with a sifter separating the combined components. Alternatively, the grain size can be determined using air jet sieves or scanner-based methods (fibershape).

In a preferred embodiment, the mean grain size (Dy50, median) is determined by laser diffraction in accordance with ISO13320 (2009), preferably in dry mode, for example with the aid of a Malvem Mastersizer device.

A particle with a grain size in the range from 30 to 800 μm passes, for example, a sieve with a mesh size of 801 μm and is retained by a sieve with a mesh size of 30 μm.

In preferred embodiments, at least 30% by weight of the particles, more preferably at least 40% by weight, even more preferably at least 50% by weight, most preferably at least 60% by weight, and in particular at least 70% by weight of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, in each case based on the dry weight of the totality of all particles, have a particle size in the range from 30 to 800 μm.

In preferred embodiments, have

- at least 2.0% by weight, more preferably at least 4.0% by weight, even more preferably at least 6.0% by weight, most preferably at least 8.0% by weight, and in particular at least 10% by weight the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, in each case based on the total weight of the particles, have a particle size of less than 30 μm; and or

at least 1.5% by weight, more preferably at least 3.0% by weight, even more preferably at least 4.5% by weight, most preferably at least 6.0% by weight, and in particular at least 7.5% by weight. -% the Particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, each based on the total weight of the particles, have a particle size in the range from 30 to 200 μm; and or

- at least 2.0% by weight, more preferably at least 4.0% by weight, even more preferably at least 6.0% by weight, most preferably at least 8.0% by weight, and in particular at least 11% by weight the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, each based on the total weight of the particles, have a particle size in the range from 201 to 315 μm; and or

- at least 5.0% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight, even more preferably at least 15% by weight, most preferably at least 20% by weight, and in particular at least 25% by weight of the particles which in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, in each case based on the total weight of the particles, a grain size in the range from 316 to 500 μm is used; and or

at least 7.5% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, even more preferably at least 22.5% by weight, most preferably at least 30% by weight, and in particular at least 37.5% by weight of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, each based on the total weight of the particles, have a grain size in the range from 501 to 800 μm; and or

at least 0.5% by weight, more preferably at least 1.0% by weight, even more preferably at least 1.5% by weight, most preferably at least 2.0% by weight, and in particular at least 2.5% by weight. -% of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, based in each case on the total weight of the particles, have a particle size in the range from 801 to 1000 μm; and or

at least 0.2% by weight, more preferably at least 0.4% by weight, even more preferably at least 0.6% by weight, most preferably at least 0.8% by weight, and in particular at least 1.0% by weight. -% of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, based in each case on the total weight of the particles, have a particle size of more than 1000 μm.

In other preferred embodiments, have

- at most 20% by weight, more preferably at most 18% by weight, even more preferably at most 16% by weight, most preferably at most 14% by weight, and in particular at most 12% by weight of the particles, which in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, in each case based on the total weight of the particles, a grain size of less than 30 μm is used; and or

- at most 13.5% by weight, more preferably at most 12% by weight, even more preferably at most 10.5% by weight, most preferably at most 9.0% by weight, and in particular at most 8.5% by weight the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, in each case based on the total weight of the particles, a grain size in the range from 30 to 200 μm; and or

- at most 23% by weight, more preferably at most 21% by weight, even more preferably at most 19% by weight, most preferably at most 17% by weight, and in particular at most 15% by weight of the particles, which in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, based in each case on the total weight of the particles, a particle size in the range from 201 to 315 μm is used; and or

- at most 45% by weight, more preferably at most 40% by weight, even more preferably at most 35% by weight, most preferably at most 30% by weight, and in particular at most 25% by weight of the particles, which in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, based in each case on the total weight of the particles, a particle size in the range from 316 to 500 μm is used; and or

at most 72.5% by weight, more preferably at most 65% by weight, even more preferably at most 57.5% by weight, most preferably at most 50% by weight, and in particular at most 42.5% by weight of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, each based on the total weight of the particles, have a grain size in the range from 501 to 800 μm; and or

- at most 5.5% by weight, more preferably at most 5.0% by weight, even more preferably at most 4.5% by weight, most preferably at most 4.0% by weight, and in particular at most 3.5% by weight. -% of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, in each case based on the total weight of the particles, have a particle size in the range from 801 to 1000 μm; and or

- at most 1.8% by weight, more preferably at most 1.6% by weight, even more preferably at most 1.4% by weight, most preferably at most 1.2% by weight, and in particular at most 1.0% by weight. -% of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, in each case based on the total weight of the particles, have a grain size of more than 1000 μm.

In further preferred embodiments have

- 11 ± 9.0% by weight, more preferably 11 ± 7.0% by weight, even more preferably 11 ± 5.0% by weight, most preferably 11 ± 3.0% by weight, and in particular 11 ± 2.0% by weight of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, based in each case on the total weight of the particles, have a particle size of less than 30 μm; and or

- 8.0 ± 7.0% by weight, more preferably 8.0 ± 6.0% by weight, even more preferably 8.0 ± 5.0% by weight, most preferably 8.0 ± 4, 0% by weight, and in particular 8.0 ± 3.0% by weight, of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, each based on the total weight of the particles, one particle size in the range from 30 to 200 μm; and or - 13 ± 12% by weight, more preferably 13 ± 10% by weight, even more preferably 13 ± 8.0% by weight, most preferably 13 ± 6.0% by weight, and in particular 13 ± 4.0% by weight .-% of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, based in each case on the total weight of the particles, have a particle size in the range from 201 to 315 μm; and or

- 25 ± 22% by weight, more preferably 25 ± 19% by weight, even more preferably 25 ± 16% by weight, most preferably 25 ± 13% by weight, and in particular 25 ± 10% by weight of the particles, which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, each based on the total weight of the particles, have a grain size in the range from 316 to 500 μm; and or

40 ± 35% by weight, more preferably 40 ± 30% by weight, even more preferably 40 ± 25% by weight, most preferably 40 ± 20% by weight, and in particular 40 ± 15% by weight of the particles, which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, each based on the total weight of the particles, have a particle size in the range from 501 to 800 μm; and or

- 3.0 ± 2.5% by weight, more preferably 3.0 ± 2.0% by weight, even more preferably 3.0 ± 1.5% by weight, most preferably 3.0 ± 1, 0% by weight, and in particular 3.0 ± 0.5% by weight, of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, each based on the total weight of the particles, one grain size in the range from 801 to 1000 μm; and or

- 1.0 ± 0.9% by weight, more preferably 1.0 ± 0.7% by weight, even more preferably 1.0 ± 0.5% by weight, most preferably 1.0 ± 0, 3% by weight, and in particular 1.0 ± 0.2% by weight, of the particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention, each based on the total weight of the particles, one grain size of more than 1000 μm.

The particle size distribution is preferably determined in accordance with DIN 66143, 66144,

66145, 66160, 66161 and DIN ISO 9276, whereby the distribution can be described in particular via the distribution sum Q3 or the mass fraction P3 for each grain class.

Preferred particle size distributions in grain classes as values Q3 [%] (distribution sum) are summarized in the following table as embodiments A1 to A5:

Preferred particle size distributions in grain classes as values P3 [%] (mass fraction) are summarized in the following table as embodiments B 1 to B5:

The particles which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention preferably contain fibers. The particles according to the invention which are used in step (a) to provide the suspension according to the invention preferably naturally contain fibers which make the particles according to the invention particularly suitable for the production of molded fiber parts. The particles can be spherical, globular or optionally also fibrous.

The mean fiber length of the fibers (weight-average fiber length) is preferably at least 30 μm, more preferably at least 100 μm, even more preferably at least 200 μm, most preferably at least 300 μm, and in particular at least 400 μm.

The mean fiber length of the fibers (weight-average fiber length) is preferably at most 10,000 μm, more preferably at most 9000 μm, even more preferably at most 8000 μm, most preferably at most 7000 μm, and in particular at most 6000 μm.

The mean fiber length of the fibers (weight-average fiber length) is preferably at most 1000 μm, more preferably at most 900 μm, even more preferably at most 800 μm, most preferably at most 700 μm, and in particular at most 600 μm.

In preferred embodiments, the mean fiber length of the fibers is in the range from 30 to 10,000 μm, preferably 30 to 2500 μm. preferably 200 to 1000 μm. The mean fiber length of the fibers (weight-average fiber length) is preferably in the range from 50 to 1000 μm, more preferably 100 to 900 μm, even more preferably 200 to 800 μm, most preferably 300 to 700 μm, and in particular 400 to 600 μm.

In preferred embodiments, the mean fiber length of the fibers is in the range of 550 ± 500 μm, or 600 ± 500 μm, or 650 ± 500 μm, or 700 ± 500 μm, or 750 ± 500 μm, or 800 ± 500 μm, or 850 ± 500 μm, or 900 ± 500 μm, or 950 ± 500 μm, or 1000 ± 500 μm, or 1100 ± 500 μm, or 1500 ± 500 μm, or 1300 ± 500 μm, or 1400 ± 500 μm, or 1500 ± 500 μm, or 1600 ± 500 μm, or 1700 ± 500 μm, or 1800 ± 500 μm, or 1900 ± 500 μm, or 2000 ± 500 μm, or 2000 ± 500 μm, or 2100 ± 500 μm, or 2500 ± 500 μm, or 2300 ± 500 μm, or 2400 ± 500 μm, or 2500 ± 500 μm, or 2600 ± 500 μm, or 2700 ± 500 μm, or 2800 ± 500 μm, or 2900 ± 500 μm, or 3000 ± 500 μm, or 3000 ± 500 μm, or 3100 ± 500 μm, or 3500 ± 500 μm, or 3300 ± 500 μm, or 3400 ± 500 μm, or 3500 ± 500 μm, or 3600 ± 500 μm, or 3700 ± 500 μm, or 3800 ± 500 μm, or 3900 ± 500 μm, or 4000 ± 500 μm, or 4000 ± 500 μm, or 4100 ± 500 μm, or 4500 ± 500 μm, or 4300 ± 500 μm, or 4400 ± 500 μm, or 4500 ± 500 μm, or 4600 ± 500 μm, or 4700 ± 500 μm, or 4800 ± 500 μm, or 4900 ± 500 μm, or 5000 ± 500 μm, or 5000 ± 500 μm, or 5100 ± 500 μm, or 5500 ± 500 μm, or 5300 ± 500 μm, or 5400 ± 500 μm, or 5500 ± 500 μm, or 5600 ± 500 μm, or 5700 ± 500 μm, or 5800 ± 500 μm, or 5900 ± 500 μm, or 6000 ± 500 μm, or 6000 ± 500 μm, or 6100 ± 500 μm, or 6500 ± 500 μm, or 6300 ± 500 μm, or 6400 ± 500 μm, or 6500 ± 500 μm, or 6600 ± 500 μm, or 6700 ± 500 μm, or 6800 ± 500 μm, or 6900 ± 500 μm, or 7000 ± 500 μm, or 7000 ± 500 μm, or 7100 ± 500 μm, or 7500 ± 500 μm, or 7300 ± 500 μm, or 7400 ± 500 μm, or 7500 ± 500 μm, or 7600 ± 500 μm, or 7700 ± 500 μm, or 7800 ± 500 μm, or 7900 ± 500 μm, or 8000 ± 500 μm, or 8000 ± 500 μm, or 8100 ± 500 μm, or 8500 ± 500 μm, or 8300 ± 500 μm, or 8400 ± 500 μm, or 8500 ± 500 μm, or 8600 ± 500 μm, or 8700 ± 500 μm, or 8800 ± 500 μm, or 8900 ± 500 μm, or 9000 ± 500 μm, or 9000 ± 500 μm, or 9100 ± 500 μm, or 9500 ± 500 μm , or 9300 ± 500 μm, or 9400 ± 500 μm, or 9500 ± 500 μm, or 9600 ± 500 μm, or 9700 ± 500 μm, or 9800 ± 500 μm, or 9900 ± 500 μm, or 10,000 ± 500 μm.

In preferred embodiments, the mean fiber length of the fibers is in the range of 250 ± 200 μm, or 300 ± 200 μm, or 350 ± 200 μm, or 400 ± 200 μm, or 450 ± 200 μm, or 500 ± 200 μm, or 550 ± 200 μm, or 600 ± 200 μm, or 650 ± 200 μm, or 700 ± 200 μm, or 750 ± 200 μm, or 800 ± 200 μm, or 850 ± 200 μm, or 900 ± 200 μm, or 950 ± 200 μm, or 1000 ± 200 μm, or 1100 ± 200 μm, or 1200 ± 200 μm, or 1300 ± 200 μm, or 1400 ± 200 μm, or 1500 ± 200 μm, or 1600 ± 200 μm, or 1700 ± 200 μm, or 1800 ± 200 μm, or 1900 ± 200 μm, or 2000 ± 200 μm.

In preferred embodiments, the mean fiber length of the fibers is in the range of 1.5 ± 1.0 mm, or 2.0 ± 1.0 mm, or 2.5 ± 1.0 mm, or 3.0 ± 1 , 0 mm, or 3.5 ± 1.0 mm, or 4.0 ± 1.0 mm, or 4.5 ± 1.0 mm, or 5.0 ± 1.0 mm, or 5.5 ± 1 , 0 mm, or 6.0 ± 1.0 mm, or 6.5 ± 1.0 mm, or 7.0 ± 1.0 mm, or 7.5 ± 1.0 mm, or 8.0 ± 1 , 0 mm, or 8.5 ± 1.0 mm, or 9.0 ± 1.0 mm.

In preferred embodiments, the mean fiber length of the fibers is in the range of 1.0 ± 0.5 mm, or 1.5 ± 0.5 mm, or 2.0 ± 0.5 mm, or 2.5 ± 0 , 5 mm, or 3.0 ± 0.5 mm, or 3.5 ± 0.5 mm, or 4.0 ± 0.5 mm, or 4.5 ± 0.5 mm, or 5.0 ± 0 , 5 mm, or 5.5 ± 0.5 mm, or 6.0 ± 0.5 mm, or 6.5 ± 0.5 mm, or 7.0 ± 0.5 mm, or 7.5 ± 0 , 5 mm, or 8.0 ± 0.5 mm, or 8.5 ± 0.5 mm, or 9.0 ± 0.5 mm, or 9.5 ± 0.5 mm.

Methods for determining the average fiber length (weight-average fiber length) are known to a person skilled in the art. According to the invention, the determination is preferably carried out in accordance with DIN ISO 22314. The ratio of fiber length to fiber width is preferably at most 120, more preferably at most 100.

The fibers preferably have a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) of 300 to 500, preferably 350 to 450 and more preferably 380 to 420. In a preferred embodiment, the fibers have a CSF of less than 300. In another preferred embodiment, the fibers have a CSF greater than 500. The SCF is determined in accordance with EN ISO 5267-2: 2001. The treatment of the fibers to achieve the desired CSF can be achieved by conventional means, for example by grinding in combination with subsequent slurrying and refining.

The process according to the invention for producing the molded fiber part according to the invention comprises at least steps (a), (b) and (c), which are preferably carried out one after the other in alphabetical order. In a preferred embodiment, the process according to the invention is carried out continuously.

In preferred embodiments, sugar beet cossettes are provided in step (a), then worked up, preferably thermomechanically, and then suspended in liquid. The suspension in liquid can, however, also take place during the work-up, in which case, if necessary, further liquid is added after the work-up in order to ultimately provide the suspension.

In preferred embodiments, in step (a) sugar beet cossettes are provided, optionally dried, ground or worked up, preferably thermomechanically, suspended in a liquid, and optionally refined and / or chemically treated.

According to the invention, a distinction is to be made in this regard, in particular, between the two procedures A) and B) explained below:

According to process procedure A), which is less preferred according to the invention, the sugar beet cossettes provided in step (a) are first dried in order to further reduce the residual moisture of the sugar beet cossettes that is still present. The sugar beet cossettes dried in this way are then worked up dry, in particular ground, until the sugar beet cossettes have the desired properties which are to be achieved by working up in the dried state. The suspension according to the invention is then produced from the dried and dry-processed sugar beet cossettes with the addition of liquid. For this purpose, in accordance with process procedure A), the sugar beet cossettes are first dried preferably to at least 80% by weight dry matter, more preferably to 80 to 95% by weight of dry matter, even more preferably to 86 to 90% by weight of dry matter. The drying is preferably carried out as low-temperature drying (at temperatures <70 ° C.), if necessary under reduced pressure, with high-temperature drying also being possible according to the invention (at temperatures> 70 ° C.).

Process procedure A) has the disadvantage that not inconsiderable amounts of energy are required for drying. In addition to the additional expenditure of time, this procedure is therefore also disadvantageous from an economic point of view.

In contrast to this process regime with drying and processing of the dried sugar beet cossettes in the dry state (i.e. process regime A)), another process regime is preferred, namely process regime B). The sugar beet cossettes provided in step (a) are not dried, but worked up as they are moist, with possibly even further liquid being added in order to increase the desired degree of moisture even further. The processing of the sugar beet cossettes, in particular the grinding, then takes place in the moist state until the sugar beet cossettes have the desired properties which are to be achieved by the processing in the moist state. The suspension according to the invention is then prepared from the moist, possibly moistened and moist processed sugar beet cossettes with the addition of further liquid.

According to process procedure B), the work-up can be carried out with the residual moisture that the sugar beet pulp as such already has, i.e. after the extraction of sucrose using conventional processes in which the sugar beet pulp are obtained as a by-product, without further treatment. According to process procedure B), however, the work-up is preferably carried out with the addition of liquid, in which case the amount of liquid is preferably not yet sufficient to completely suspend the sugar beet cossettes; rather, the sugar beet pulp is preferably moistened with the liquid in this case. According to the invention, however, it is also possible for the complete amount of liquid which is later contained in the suspension provided in step (a) to be added during work-up.

The liquid used for moistening is preferably an aqueous liquid, preferably water, an aqueous solution or an aqueous emulsion, the aqueous emulsion being a water-in-oil emulsion or an oil-in-water emulsion can.

The content of the liquid used for moistening is preferably at least 5.0% by weight, or at least 7.5% by weight, or at least 10% by weight, or at least 12.5% by weight, or at least 15% by weight, or at least 17.5% by weight, or at least 20% by weight, or at least 22.5% by weight, or at least 25% by weight, or at least 27, 5% by weight, or at least 30% by weight, or at least 35% by weight, or at least 40% by weight, or at least 45% by weight, or at least 50% by weight, or at least 55% by weight %, or at least 60% by weight, or at least 65% by weight, or at least 70% by weight, or at least 75% by weight, or at least 80% by weight, in each case based on the Total weight of the mixture produced for processing, possibly including the residual moisture that the sugar beet pulp used had from the start.

The content of the liquid used for moistening is preferably at most 80% by weight, or at most 75% by weight, or at most 70% by weight, or at most 65% by weight, or at most 60% by weight. %, or at most 55% by weight, or at most 50% by weight, or at most 45% by weight, or at most 40% by weight, or at most 35% by weight, or at most 30% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the mixture produced for processing, possibly including the residual moisture that the sugar beet pulp used had from the start.

Process procedure B) has several advantages compared to process procedure A). Since the sugar beet cossettes are used directly as such without prior drying in process control B), the drying step and the associated time and energy expenditure are omitted. In addition, wet processing, such as grinding and defibering in the moistened state, offers the advantage that additives can be added to the liquid which have a positive effect on the viscosity of the mixture produced for processing and can improve certain properties, e.g. activation of the self-binding forces without adding further adhesives, improvement of formability, improvement of formability, etc.

In preferred embodiments, such additives are not freely water-soluble, so that they do not dissolve again completely in the liquid used for this later during the production of the suspension according to the invention and are not separated from the sugar beet cossettes. Instead, the additives preferably adhere at least partially to the solid, insoluble constituents of the sugar beet pulp, including the fibers contained therein. In this way, the additives can develop their desired effect locally when subjected to mechanical action during grinding and / or defibering, without the additives subsequently resulting in undesired segregation as a result of the dilution during the preparation of the suspension by adding further liquid.

The sugar beet cossettes are preferably moistened according to process control B) with the same liquid with which the suspension according to the invention is then also produced. In both cases, the liquid is preferably an aqueous liquid, in which, however, different constituents may possibly be dissolved. Accordingly, you can go to work up other additives are added to the aqueous liquid by grinding and / or defibering in the moistened state, that is to say are contained in the aqueous liquid with which the suspension according to the invention is then produced.

Additives for activating the self-binding forces without adding further adhesives, improving formability, improving formability, etc. are commercially available.

Starting from sugar beets or sugar beet cossettes up to the provision of the suspension according to the invention, step (a) of the method according to the invention can comprise numerous sub-steps, for example pressing, drying, moistening, pulping, filtering (screening), Washing, bleaching, refining and / or chemical modification. These partial steps can be carried out in whole or in part, and in different order.

In preferred embodiments, step (a) of the method according to the invention comprises one or more of the following substeps:

(ai) producing sugar beet pulp by crushing sugar beet; and or

(a2) extracting sucrose from the sugar beet pulp; and or

(a ₃ ) compressing the sugar beet pulp; and or

(a-O drying the sugar beet pulp; and / or

(as) moistening the beet pulp with liquid; and or

(a ₍ ,) adding additional particles obtained from plants or parts of plants which differ from sugar beet; and / or

(a _? ) opening up the beet pulp; and or

(as) filtering the digested sugar beet pulp; and or

(as _> ) washing the digested sugar beet pulp with washing liquid; and or

(aio) separating at least part of the washing liquid (with the additives possibly contained therein) from the digested sugar beet cossettes; and or

(an) recovery of the separated washing liquid with any additives contained therein;

(an) processing the separated washing liquid; and or

(an) recycling of the separated and possibly processed washing liquid to sub-step (a _? ) and / or sub-step (as); and or

(an) extracting pectin from the sugar beet pulp; and or (ais) bleaching the beet pulp; and or

(aie) mechanical processing, preferably refining and / or grinding of the sugar beet pulp; and or

(an) chemically modifying the fibers contained in the sugar beet pulp; and / or (ais) suspending the ground sugar beet cossettes in liquid.

In principle, it is possible for step (a) of the method according to the invention to include all sub-steps (ai) to (ais). However, only some of the substeps (ai) to (ais) are preferably carried out. Some sub-steps are preferably not even carried out, for example sub-step (a ₄ ) and / or sub-step (a «).

The sequence of the partial steps is not fixed and in particular does not have to be numerical. In particular, in addition to a purely sequential implementation of individual sub-steps one after the other, it is also possible for individual sub-steps to be carried out at least partially at the same time.

A person skilled in the art recognizes that as a result of these partial steps, the original constituents of the sugar beet pulp, which are used as starting material, are at least partially separated from one another, possibly chemically modified and certain ingredients are at least partially separated off. For the purpose of the description, all intermediate products of the processing according to the sub-steps of step (a) are referred to as “sugar beet cutters. The end product of the partial steps of step (a) of the method according to the invention are then the particles obtained from sugar beets, which are comprised of the solids of the suspension provided in step (a).

In preferred embodiments, step (a) of the method according to the invention comprises the sub-steps:

(ai) producing sugar beet pulp by crushing sugar beet;

(a2) extracting sucrose from the sugar beet pulp; and (a ₃ ) if necessary, compressing the sugar beet pulp.

The sugar beet pulp obtained in this way is a by-product in the extraction of sucrose from sugar beet. Depending on the process control for the further processing of the sugar beet cossettes in the preparation of the suspension according to the invention, the sugar beet cossettes are either first dried (process control A)), or drying can be dispensed with (process control B)). Step (a) of the process according to the invention comprises the sub-step according to process control A)

(a-O drying the sugar beet pulp.

Step (a) of the process according to the invention preferably comprises, according to process management B), no drying of the sugar beet cossettes, but instead preferably the substep

(as) moistening the beet pulp with liquid.

According to process procedure B), liquid is accordingly preferably added successively to the sugar beet cossettes. The liquid (residual moisture) that may have been present from the start is optionally added with further liquid, preferably further aqueous liquid, for moistening for the purpose of working up. At a later point in time, after the further elaboration, the moist, processed sugar beet pulp is preferably again added further liquid, preferably further aqueous liquid, in order to finally provide the suspension according to the invention.

According to the invention, it is possible and also preferred that the suspension provided in step (a) also contains additional particles which were obtained from plants or parts of plants which differ from sugar beets. Depending on the respective plants or plant parts which differ from sugar beets, it can be preferred according to the invention that these particles go through certain partial steps of step (a) of the method according to the invention together with the sugar beet cossettes. For the purpose of the description, the reference to "sugar beet cutters" in this case also includes mixtures of the sugar beet cossettes with the additional particles obtained from plants or parts of plants which differ from sugar beet.

Accordingly, step (a) of the method according to the invention preferably comprises the substep

(ae) Adding additional particles obtained from plants or parts of plants which differ from sugar beets.

As already mentioned above, particularly suitable additional particles are those particles which have been obtained from wood, flax, hemp, sisal, mud, jute, sunflowers and / or rice. According to the invention, preference is given to those particles which have been obtained from wood, preferably from eucalyptus.

In the context of the extraction of sucrose from sugar beets, ie in the sub-steps (ai) and (a2), the constituents contained in the sugar beet cossettes in addition to the sucrose, in particular the fibers, are typically already present as a result of thermal and / or mechanical treatment open-minded at least to some extent. According to the invention, however, it can be preferred to further digest the constituents, which according to the invention is preferably achieved by further digesting (pulping).

Step (a) of the method according to the invention accordingly preferably comprises substep (a ₇ ) digesting the sugar beet cossettes.

A number of digestion methods are available for this purpose, preferred

(i) mechanical pulping processes (e.g. TMP (thermo-mechanical pulping), SGW (stone groundwood), PGW (pressure groundwood), RMP (reflner mechanical pulping)), '

(ii) chemical-mechanical pulping process (CTMP (chemo-thermo mechanical pulping), steam explosion, cold soda, hot sulphite);

(iii) semi-chemical pulping processes (e.g. NSSC (neutral sulfite semi chemical pulping)), 'and

(iv) chemical digestion processes (e.g. Kraft, sulphite, soda).

Ultimately, these digestion processes all have the purpose of exposing the discrete fibers which are contained in the sugar beet cossettes so that they can be dispersed in liquid. The addition of chemicals can have different purposes. On the one hand, hemicellulose and / or lignin can be broken down, on the other hand, cellulose fibers can be modified.

Chemical digestion processes are preferred according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, additives are added for the digestion, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called sulfate process (Kraft process) (for example Na ₂ S, NaOH or Na ₂ SO ₄ ).

In another preferred embodiment, additives are added for the digestion, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called sulfite process (for example Ca (HSO ₃ ) ₂ or SO ₂ ).

In a further preferred embodiment, additives are added for the digestion, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called soda process (Na ₂ CO ₃ ).

In another preferred embodiment, additives are added for the digestion, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called Acetocell process (acetic acid at high pressure and high temperature). In a further preferred embodiment, additives are added for the digestion, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called Acetosolv process (acetic acid and hydrochloric acid).

In another preferred embodiment, additives are added for digestion which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called ASAM process (ASAM = alkali sulfite, anthroquinone, methanol) (sodium sulfite and methanol).

In a further preferred embodiment, additives are added for the digestion, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called Formacell process (acetic acid and formic acid).

In another preferred embodiment, additives are added for digestion, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called Milox process (Milox = “milieu” and “oxidative”) (performic acid, produced from formic acid and hydrogen peroxide).

In a further preferred embodiment, additives are added for pulping, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called natural pulping process (performic acid).

In another preferred embodiment, additives are added for the digestion, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called organocell process (ethanol and sodium hydroxide).

In a further preferred embodiment, additives are added for the digestion, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called Organosolv process: enzymatic digestion

In another preferred embodiment, additives are added for digestion, which are also used for pulp production according to the so-called soda / anthraquinone process (Na ₂ CO ₃ , anthraquinone).

The digestion can optionally take place at elevated temperature and / or at elevated pressure, it being possible to use conventional devices which are known to a person skilled in the art (pulpers). The duration of the digestion varies depending on the method and can be determined through simple routine tests. It is also possible to begin with the digestion obtained without further To store processing, so that the processes on which the digestion is based can continue to run during the interim storage, if necessary.

After the digestion, the digestion (pulp) obtained is preferably filtered and washed and a large part of the additives that may have been used for digestion are thus separated off.

Step (a) of the method according to the invention accordingly preferably comprises the partial steps (as) filtering the digested sugar beet cossettes;

(as _> ) washing the digested sugar beet pulp with washing liquid; and

(aio) Separating at least part of the washing liquid (with the additives possibly contained therein) from the digested sugar beet cossettes.

For washing, preference is given to using conventional devices which are known to a person skilled in the art (pulp washers). These are preferably drum washers or counterflow washers. The washing is preferably carried out with an aqueous washing liquid, preferably with water. The washing liquid separated off during washing, with any additives it may contain, is preferably recovered and then processed, optionally returned to the disintegration step (recycled).

Step (a) of the method according to the invention accordingly preferably comprises the sub-steps (an) recovery of the separated washing liquid with any additives contained therein; (an) possibly processing the separated washing liquid; and

(an) if necessary, recycling of the separated and possibly processed washing liquid to sub-step (a ₇ ) and / or sub-step (as).

According to the invention, it is possible to reduce the pectin content of the sugar beet pulp.

Step (a) of the method according to the invention can accordingly comprise the sub-step (au) extracting pectin from the sugar beet pulp.

The extraction of pectin can take place, for example, using organic or inorganic acids, for example hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, etc.). However, there is preferably no reduction in the pectin content of the sugar beet pulp, since the pectin can have a beneficial effect on the properties of the molded fiber part, including the bonding of the fibers to one another.

In preferred embodiments, the digested sugar beet pulp is bleached. The particular aim of bleaching is to increase the brightness, i.e. the whiteness.

The bleaching can be done with reducing agents (e.g. dithionite, bisulfite) or with oxidizing agents (e.g. H2O2) at different pH values.

Step (a) of the method according to the invention accordingly preferably comprises the substep (ais) bleaching of the sugar beet cossettes.

[0188] Conventional devices which are known to a person skilled in the art are preferably used for bleaching. The bleaching can be carried out as a one-step, two-step or three-step process, with additional steps being possible depending on the desired whiteness. Different reducing agents or oxidizing agents are preferably used in the individual stages. Depending on the reducing or oxidizing agents used, different pH values may be set.

According to the invention, preferred additives for bleaching are oxidizing agents, such as, for example _{, Cl 2} , O ₂ , O ₃ , CIO 2, NaOCl, Ca (OCl) ₂ and / or H 2 O 2; and alkali, such as NaOH, KOH and / or Na ₂ O ₃ : which are optionally provided in a bleaching liquid or are added to a slurry of the sugar beet cuttings in a liquid, whereby the bleaching liquid is obtained.

In preferred embodiments, the bleaching takes place as bio-bleaching with the use of microorganisms or enzymes. Fungi such as Phanerochaete chrysporium or Coriolus versicolor, for example, can be used as microorganisms. Particularly suitable enzymes are xylanases (EC 3.2.1.8).

As in the case of digestion, the bleaching liquid used in the bleaching process with the additives contained therein is preferably recovered and, if necessary, processed and / or recycled.

After the sugar beet cossettes have been provided in step (a), optionally dried in accordance with process control A) or not dried according to preferred process control B), possibly broken down, washed and / or bleached, and before the sugar beet cossettes are in ( Further) liquid are suspended, according to the invention preferably work-up, preferably thermomechanically. For this work-up, both in process procedure A) and in Process management B) according to the invention, various processes and their combinations with one another are considered, in particular extrusion and disintegrating grinding.

The sugar beet cossettes are preferably worked up mechanically. According to the invention, a whole series of mechanical techniques come into consideration for mechanical work-up, in particular refining, grinding, high-pressure homogenization, cryocrushing, etc., and combinations thereof with one another. According to the invention, the work-up is preferably carried out thermomechanically.

Step (a) of the method according to the invention accordingly preferably comprises the substep

(aie) mechanical work-up, preferably refining and / or grinding, of the sugar beet pulp, according to process control A) in the dried state; preferably according to process procedure B) in the moistened state.

The mechanical work-up by refining and / or grinding has the particular purpose of mechanically treating the fibers originally contained in the sugar beet cossettes, which can have a significant influence on the properties of the molded fiber part produced according to the invention. The refining conditions can therefore be adapted depending on the desired properties of the molded fiber part. Refining usually improves the binding forces between the fibers in the molded fiber part, with the tensile strength of the individual fibers being reduced. Refining usually increases the flexibility of the fibers, which ultimately leads to a denser molded fiber part, i.e. the thickness, opacity and porosity of the molded fiber part usually decrease with refining.

In preferred embodiments, in step (a) the sugar beet cossettes are extruded dry (process control A)) or together with a liquid, preferably an aqueous liquid (process control B)) and optionally further materials and additives in an extruder. A twin screw extruder is preferably used for this purpose. A preferred extruder has an outlet with a diameter of 10 mm, which may be followed by a nozzle plate with bores with a diameter of 2 mm. The extrusion is preferably carried out at an elevated temperature, preferably in the range from 25 to 70.degree.

In other preferred embodiments, the sugar beet cossettes undergo a disintegrating grinding process in step (a). Particularly preferably, in step (a) the sugar beet cossettes go through at least two disintegrating grinding processes one after the other. According to process control A), the disintegrating grinding process is carried out in the dry state. According to preferred procedure B), the disintegrating grinding process is carried out in the moistened state. The disintegrating grinding process is preferably carried out using a refiner (for example a conical refiner, a C7a // ”refmer, a disc refiner), a defibrator, a beater, for example a Dutch beater, a valley beater), a toothed colloid mill and / or a disk mill. The disintegrating grinding process is preferably carried out at elevated temperature and / or elevated pressure or also without pressure (atmospheric). For example, it is possible to use a pressureless refiner for the disintegrating grinding process.

The mechanical work-up takes place depending on the refining and / or grinding devices used and the process management

- an increase in the fiber-fiber interactions by roughening the fiber surface while at the same time minimizing fiber shortening (fiber brushing); this can be achieved by refining with a high consistency, in that the plates of the refiner used have a comparatively large distance from one another;

- a shortening of the fibers (fiber cutting); this can be achieved by refining at a low consistency by keeping the plates of the refiner used as small as possible from one another;

- Fibrillation due to roughening of the fiber surface as a result of the mechanical breakdown of the outer layer of the fibers, i.e. the primary cell wall, whereby the fibrils of the secondary cell wall protrude relative to the fiber surface.

According to process procedure B), the weight ratio of sugar beet cossettes to liquid, preferably aqueous liquid, during refining and / or grinding, e.g. in the pan mill, is preferably 33:67 to 5:95, preferably 16:84 to 7:93.

The water content of the mixture produced for processing is preferably in the range from 50 to 95% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the water content of the mixture produced for processing is in the range of 70 ± 3% by weight, or 72 ± 3% by weight, or 74 ± 3% by weight, or 76 ± 3% by weight, or 78 ± 3% by weight, or 80 ± 3% by weight, or 82 ± 3% by weight, or 84 ± 3% by weight, or 86 ± 3% by weight, or 88 ± 3% by weight, or -%, or 90 ± 3% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the suspension. In preferred embodiments, the water content of the mixture produced for processing is in the range of 70 ± 2% by weight, or 72 ± 2% by weight, or 74 ± 2% by weight, or 76 ± 2% by weight. , or 78 ± 2% by weight, or 80 ± 2% by weight, or 82 ± 2% by weight, or 84 ± 2% by weight, or 86 ± 2% by weight, or 88 ± 2 % By weight, or 90 ± 2% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the suspension.

In preferred embodiments, according to process procedure B), native, untreated sugar beet cossettes are used, such as are obtained in conventional sugar production. The untreated sugar beet cossettes preferably go through at least two disintegrating grinding processes one after the other in order to produce a highly viscous fiber mass. First, the raw materials are pre-shredded in a first process step. The fiber mass, which is preferably still wet, is then subjected to an intensive grinding process. During this high-viscosity grinding, polyoses and accessory ingredients are exposed without cellulose being chemically broken down. The intensive grinding also causes the fibers to be shortened and fibrillated. The fiber lengths achieved are - depending on the degree of grinding and the type of raw material - preferably between 150 μm and 2500 μm. By squeezing and rubbing the fibers, the primary wall is partly destroyed, followed by fibrillation of the secondary wall and a mucus is formed. This consists of fringed fibrils that hang from the fibers and have loosened from the secondary wall. At the same time, the fibrillation leads to a strong increase in the particle surface area.

These slimy substances (hemicellulose, pectin, etc.) make a decisive contribution to the cohesion of the molded fiber part. The cohesion is thus achieved due to the binding forces activated during the manufacturing process. The addition of adhesives is not necessary. This is a major advantage of the particles obtained from sugar beet compared to other sources of natural fibers, such as wood, sisal, cotton, flax, etc.

In order to achieve the required highly viscous consistency, the pre-comminution into fibrous materials is preferably carried out by means of a refiner, a toothed colloid mill, a corundum disk mill or the like. The high-viscosity grinding then takes place by means of systems of the same or a similar type, the sugar beet cossettes preferably being crushed and torn, but not cut, whereby the high-viscosity consistency is achieved.

The grinding or defibering is therefore preferably carried out with devices which have no or at least no pronounced cutting action.

The desired, highly viscous consistency can be achieved particularly easily if a targeted increase in temperature occurs at intervals.

The pH is preferably in the range from 4 to 10, preferably from 5 to 8.

The refining and / or grinding process takes place preferably at normal pressure or overpressure of up to 8 bar. If necessary, grinding processes can also be carried out. In preferred embodiments, after grinding, the sugar beet cossettes have an average particle size of at most 2.0 mm, for example in the range of 0.6 ± 0.5, or 0.8 ± 0.5, or 1.0 ± 0.5 , or 1.2 ± 0.5, or 1.4 ± 0.5.

_{The partial steps (a?} ) Digestion and / or (ai -) bleaching, which are preferably carried out independently of one another and preferably carried out independently of one another, are preferably carried out using additives which react with constituents of the sugar beet pulp. In this respect, these additives already cause a certain chemical modification of the ingredients contained in the sugar beet pulp, in particular cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and / or pectin.

In preferred embodiments, the fibers contained in the sugar beet pulp are chemically modified by taking additional measures.

Step (a) of the method according to the invention accordingly preferably comprises the substep (an) chemical modification of the fibers contained in the sugar beet cossettes.

For the chemical modification of the fibers contained in the sugar beet pulp, according to the invention, one or more of the following measures are particularly preferred:

(i) oxidizing,

(ii) acylating,

(iii) methyl carboxylation,

(iv) alkaline treatment and

(v) enzymatic treatment.

If the fibers contained in the sugar beet cossettes are to be chemically modified by oxidation, this is preferably done according to the invention by reacting the sugar beet cossettes with suitable oxidizing agents such as

- H2O2 in combination with lignosulfonate;

- H2O2 in combination with furfuryl alcohol;

- H2O2 in combination with spent sulfite liquor, '

- H2O2 in combination with spent sulfite liquor and a catalyst, in particular K3 [Fe (CN) 6] or SO2 or FeSO-O;

- 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) in the presence of NaBr with NaOCl and / or with NaC102; or Fenton's reagent (FbCE / FeSCE).

If the fibers contained in the sugar beet cossettes are to be chemically modified by acylation, this is preferably done according to the invention by reacting the sugar beet cossettes with suitable acylating agents such as acid anhydrides, preferably with acetic anhydride (AC ₂ O).

If the fibers contained in the sugar beet cossettes are to be chemically modified by methyl carboxylation, this is preferably done according to the invention by reacting the sugar beet cossettes with suitable methyl carboxylating agents such as chloroacetic acid (CICH ₂ CO ₂ H).

If the fibers contained in the sugar beet cossettes are to be chemically modified by alkaline treatment, this is preferably done according to the invention by reacting the sugar beet cossettes with suitable bases such as NaOH, KOH or Na ₂ O ₃ .

If the fibers contained in the sugar beet cossettes are to be chemically modified by enzymatic treatment, this is preferably done according to the invention by reacting the sugar beet cossettes with suitable enzymes such as endoglucanases (EC 3.2.1.4).

After the work-up, the suspension according to the invention is produced from the sugar beet cossettes from particles obtained from sugar beet. For the purpose of the description, the suspended solids of the suspension provided in step (a) are not referred to as “sugar beet cutters, but rather as“ particles obtained from sugar beet ”.

(Ais) suspending the sugar beet cossettes in a liquid while obtaining the suspension of solids, which comprises particles obtained from sugar beet, in a liquid.

For this purpose, the processed sugar beet pulp is optionally mixed with further liquid, preferably with an aqueous liquid, in which additives may be dissolved.

A solids content is preferably set for the suspension in the range from 0.1 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 0.5 to 10% by weight, even more preferably from 1.0 to 7.5% by weight, and in particular 2.0 to 5.0% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the suspension.

The water content of the suspension is preferably in the range from 50 to 99% by weight, preferably 60 to 99% by weight, more preferably 70 to 99% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the suspension. In preferred embodiments, the water content of the suspension is in the range of 60 ± 10 % By weight, or 65 ± 10% by weight, or 70 ± 10% by weight, or 75 ± 10% by weight, or 80 ± 10% by weight, or 85 ± 10% by weight, or 89 ± 10% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the suspension. In preferred embodiments, the water content of the suspension is in the range of 91 ± 3% by weight, or 92 ± 3% by weight, or 93 ± 3% by weight, or 94 ± 3% by weight, or 95% ± 3% by weight, or 96 ± 3% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the suspension. In preferred embodiments, the water content of the suspension is in the range of 91 ± 2% by weight, or 92 ± 2% by weight, or 93 ± 2% by weight, or 94 ± 2% by weight, or 95 ± 2 % By weight, or 96 ± 2% by weight, or 97 ± 2% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the suspension.

After the suspension of solids in a liquid has been provided in step (a) of the method according to the invention, which comprises particles obtained from sugar beet, at least some of the solids are deposited on a mold in step (b) of the method according to the invention. The method according to the invention for producing the molded fiber part according to the invention is preferably a fiber casting method.

In a preferred embodiment, the process according to the invention takes place in the sense of a simple scooping process. In the simple scooping process, which is particularly suitable for the production of large, robust, thick-walled molded fiber parts, according to the invention a pulp, i.e. a suspension of solids comprising particles obtained from sugar beet, is provided in a liquid, preferably in water or an aqueous solution.

A suction mold, which has the contour of the molded fiber part to be produced and comprises a plurality of pores, is then dipped into the pulp. Thereafter, liquid is sucked off through the pores of the suction mold, preferably upwards, whereby the solids are deposited on the suction mold with the pores (sieve), preferably on the underside of the suction mold immersed in the pulp. A layer of deposited solids then forms on the underside of the suction mold with the desired contour of the molded fiber part to be produced.

The suction form, together with the solids deposited thereon, is then separated from the pulp, preferably moved upwards out of the pulp. The deposited solids can then be separated from the suction mold and then dried, e.g. in a conveyor oven. If the layer thickness of the deposited solids is large enough, the still moist molded fiber part has sufficient mechanical strength so that it remains dimensionally stable during the drying process.

In step (b) of the method according to the invention, at least some of the solids are deposited from the suspension on a mold. In preferred embodiments, step (b) comprises the sub-steps:

(bi) bringing the suspension together with the mold, preferably by dipping the mold into the suspension, the mold being a suction mold which comprises a plurality of pores;

(b2) depositing at least some of the solids on the suction mold by sucking off liquid through the pores of the suction mold; The pores are preferably smaller than the mean diameter of the particles, so that at most smaller suspended solid constituents are suctioned off with the liquid, if necessary, while larger suspended solids remain on the surface of the suction mold and are deposited there;

(b ₃ ) separating the suction mold with the solids deposited thereon from the remaining suspension, the deposited solids typically still being moist; and

(bzi) if necessary, separating the separated solids from the suction mold.

In preferred embodiments, step (b) additionally comprises the sub-steps:

(bs) transferring the separated solids to a transfer mold; the suction form and transfer form behave like negative and positive;

(bi,) optionally predrying the separated solids, preferably in a continuous furnace;

(b _? ) if necessary, transferring the separated solids to a first mold; and

(bs) if necessary, closing the first mold with a second mold, the separated solids being arranged in the space between the first mold and the second mold. The transfer form and first form behave like negative and positive, i.e. the contour of the first form essentially corresponds to the contour of the suction form; The suction form and the second form also preferably behave like negative and positive, i.e. the contour of the second form essentially corresponds to the contour of the transfer form. Accordingly, the first form and the second form also behave preferably like negative and positive.

In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention takes place in the sense of a transfer method (cf. substep (bs). In the transfer method, which is particularly suitable for producing medium-thick molded fiber parts, a pulp described above is also provided according to the invention.

[0232] A suction mold, which has the contour of the molded fiber part to be produced and comprises several pores, is then dipped into the pulp. Thereafter, liquid is sucked off through the pores of the suction mold, but preferably downwards, whereby the solids are deposited on the suction mold with the pores (sieve), preferably on the upper side of the pulp immersed suction mold. A layer of deposited solids then forms on the top of the suction mold with the desired contour of the molded fiber part to be produced.

The suction form, together with the solids deposited thereon, is then separated from the pulp, preferably moved upwards out of the pulp.

The deposited solids are then separated from the suction mold and transferred to a transfer mold. The transfer mold has a contour that is congruent to the suction mold, the suction mold and transfer mold behaving like negative and positive. The separated solids can then be separated from the transfer mold and then dried, e.g. in a conveyor oven. If the layer thickness of the deposited solids is large enough, the still moist molded fiber part has sufficient mechanical strength so that it remains dimensionally stable during the drying process.

In step (c) of the method according to the invention, the deposited solids are dried to obtain the molded fiber part. Conventional drying devices, for example continuous ovens, can be used for drying.

In preferred embodiments, the first mold and / or the second mold are heated to dry the deposited solids. In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention takes place in the sense of a thermoforming method. In the thermoforming process, which is particularly suitable for the production of thin-walled molded fiber parts with high contour accuracy, according to the invention, in analogy to the transfer process, first a layer of deposited solids is formed on the upper side of the suction mold with the desired contour of the molded fiber part to be produced and then the suction mold together with the separated solids separated from the pulp, preferably moved upward out of the pulp.

The separated solids are then also separated from the suction mold and transferred to a transfer mold. However, since the layer thickness of the deposited solids is not large enough in this case, the still moist molded fiber part does not have sufficient mechanical strength, so that it would not remain dimensionally stable during the drying process without aids. For this reason, the deposited solids are separated from the transfer mold and transferred to a first mold, preferably from top to bottom, the first mold preferably being heated. The first shape has a contour that is congruent to the transfer shape, the transfer shape and first shape behaving like negative and positive. The contour of the first mold preferably corresponds essentially to the contour of the suction mold. The first mold is then preferably closed with a second mold, preferably from top to bottom, the second mold preferably being heated. The second shape has a contour that is congruent to the first shape, the first shape and the second shape behaving like negative and positive. The contour of the second mold preferably corresponds essentially to the contour of the transfer mold. The separated solids are then located in the space between the first mold and the second mold and are dried there. Finally, the dried molded fiber part can be separated from the first mold and the second mold.

In preferred embodiments, the deposited solids are compressed between the first mold and the second mold. In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention takes place in the sense of a post-pressing method. The post-pressing process combines transfer processes and thermoforming processes. The post-pressing process, which is particularly suitable for the production of medium-thick molded fiber parts with higher contour accuracy, according to the invention, the pre-dried molded fiber parts are pressed into shape in a further step. In analogy to the transfer process, a layer of deposited solids is first formed on the top of the suction mold with the desired contour of the molded fiber part to be produced and the suction mold is then separated from the pulp together with the solids deposited on it, preferably moved upwards out of the pulp.

The deposited solids are then also separated from the suction mold and transferred to a transfer mold.

In a preferred pre-drying step, the deposited solids are separated from the transfer mold and then dried, for example in a continuous oven. The possibly predried, deposited solids are then transferred to a first mold in analogy to the thermoforming process, preferably from top to bottom, the first mold preferably being heated. The first shape has a contour that is congruent to the transfer shape, the transfer shape and first shape behaving like negative and positive. The contour of the first mold preferably corresponds essentially to the contour of the suction mold.

The first mold is then preferably closed with a second mold, preferably from top to bottom, the second mold preferably being heated. The second shape has a contour that is congruent to the first shape, the first shape and the second shape behaving like negative and positive. The contour of the second mold preferably corresponds essentially to the contour of the transfer mold. The deposited solids are then located in the space between the first mold and the second mold and are dried there, preferably pressed together under pressure. Finally, the dried molded fiber part can be separated from the first mold and the second mold. In preferred embodiments, no synthetic adhesives are used to produce the molded fiber parts according to the invention. In preferred embodiments, no synthetic polymers are used to produce the molded fiber parts according to the invention.

In particular, the molded fiber part according to the invention preferably does not contain any thermoset polymer; this would inter alia impair the degradability and compostability of the molded fiber part. In particular, it is preferred that the molded fiber part according to the invention does not contain any urea-formaldehyde resin, such as, for example, the modified urea-formaldehyde resins described in EP 1 176 174. Furthermore, it is preferred that the molded fiber part according to the invention does not contain a gelled hydrocolloid system, in particular no foamed gelling hydrocolloid system, as described, for example, in US 2007/0292643. In addition, it is preferred that the molded fiber part according to the invention does not contain any starch, or if it contains starch, it is preferred that the content is less than 15% by weight of starch, based on the dry weight of the sugar beet (ie less than in US 5,849,152).

According to the invention, suction form, transfer form, first form and second form are preferably produced independently of one another by rapid prototyping processes, particularly preferably by 3D printing. Suitable processes are known to a person skilled in the art, for example fused deposition modeling.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a molded fiber part which is obtainable or was actually obtained by the method according to the invention described above.

In preferred embodiments, the molded fiber part is selected from the group consisting of molded fiber packaging, molded fiber trays, molded fiber cushions, molded fiber inserts and molded fiber containers.

In preferred embodiments, the molded fiber part according to the invention is colored.

The molded fiber part according to the invention preferably fulfills the requirements of (biological) degradability as well as compostability according to BS EN 13432: 2000, Appendix A; preferably

(i) Compostability according to BS EN 13432: 2000, Annex A.3; Test procedures, e.g. B. IS016929;

(ii) compostability according to BS EN 13432: 2000, Annex A.2; Test method, e.g. B. ISO 14855;

(iii) Heavy metal content according to BS EN 13432: 2000, Appendix A. 1; and or

(iv) environmental friendliness in terms of toxicity to the plant seedlings and earthworms used in accordance with BS EN 13432: 2000, Appendix A.4; Test methods, e.g. B. OECD 208A, OECD 207. In preferred embodiments, the molded fiber part has a layer thickness in the range from 0.1 to 50 mm, for example 0.2 to 40 mm, or 0.3 to 30 mm, or 0.4 to 20 mm, or 0.5 up to 10 mm.

In preferred embodiments, the molded fiber part has a layer thickness in the range from 80 to 230 μm, for example 90 to 210 μm, or 100 to 190 μm, or 110 to 170 μm, or 120 to 150 μm.

The molded fiber part preferably has a density (calculated from the macroscopic volume and its weight) in the range from 200 to 900 kg / m ³ . In preferred embodiments, the molded fiber part has a density in the range of 200 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 250 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 300 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 350 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 400 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 450 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 500 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 550 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 600 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 650 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 700 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 750 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 800 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 850 ± 100 kg / m ³ , or 900 ± 100 kg / m ³ .

A test specimen made from the material of the molded fiber part with a length of 100 mm and a width of 25 mm in the tensile test according to ISO 1924-2 preferably has a Poisson's ratio (Poisson's ratio, Poisson's ratio, Poisson's ratio or Poisson's ratio) with an elongation e of 0.6% (ie in the linear range of the stress-strain diagram) in the range from 0.025 to 0.325. In preferred embodiments, the Poisson's number is in the range of 0.050 ± 0.025, or 0.075 ± 0.025, or 0.100 ± 0.025, or 0.125 ± 0.025, or 0.150 ± 0.025, or 0.175 ± 0.025, or 0.200 ± 0.025, or 0.225 ± 0.025, or 0.250 ± 0.025, or 0.275 ± 0.025, or 0.300 ± 0.025.

A test specimen made from the material of the molded fiber part with a size of 80 mm × 15 mm and a measuring length of 50 mm after storage at 50% rel. Humidity at 25 ° C for at least 24 hours according to TAPPI T402 in a tensile test according to TAPPI T402 using a universal testing machine (e.g. Instron model 5566) with a 1 kN load cell at a constant speed of the measuring head of 7 mm / min

a tensile strength of at least 30 MPa, more preferably at least 35 MPa, even more preferably at least 40 MPa; and or

an elongation of at least 0.5%, more preferably at least 1.0%, even more preferably at least 1.5%; and or

a tensile index of at least 20 Nm / g, more preferably at least 25 Nm / g, even more preferably at least 30 Nm / g, most preferably at least 35 Nm / g, and in particular at least 40 Nm / g on.

The following examples serve to illustrate the invention, but are not to be interpreted as restrictive:

The following raw materials were used:

- Pressed pulp, moist (TG ~ 25% by weight)

- Pressed pulp, dried

- Pulp: eucalyptus (fibria)

General test procedure

The dry pressed pulp were first allowed to swell in water for one day. This means that the previously dry and moist pressed pulp were processed with roughly the same consistency. They were then ground in a high consistency refiner in 2 passes. After milling, the pulp was suspended.

[0258] Process data:

In the laboratory, the suspension to form the laboratory sheet is carried out by means of a disintegrator (2 liter sample with 2% consistency at 5000 min ^-1 for 20 minutes). The laboratory sheets were produced according to the Rapid-Koethen process (according to DIN EN ISO 5269-2). The laboratory sheets produced were examined with regard to their physical paper properties (basis weight, thickness, density, volume and tensile strength).

For the fiber casting, fibers were shredded with a pilot plant pulper (18 liter sample with 5% consistency at 1500 min ^"1 , 10 minutes). For the tests, the fiber material was used both alone and as a mixture with cellulose For fiber casting tests, an existing mold (knob mold) was used process engineering measures (temperature, consistency). The test specimens were dried overnight at 80 ° C. in a drying cabinet. The molded fiber cast parts produced were characterized in terms of their uniformity (homogeneous structure) and their mechanical properties (compressive strength).

[0261] First test plan:

* Based on the total weight of the sample materials.

[0262] Second experimental plan:

* Based on the total weight of the sample materials.

test

For the sample preparation, the sample materials to be tested were conditioned in conformity with standards at 23 ± 1 ° C. and 50 ± 2% relative humidity for at least 24 hours and tested under this climate.

The mass per unit area was determined on the laboratory sheets handed over (test area 317 cm ² deviating from the standard). A mean value was formed from the individual measured values.

The thickness was determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 534: 2012-02. A mean value was formed from 10 individual values from two laboratory sheets.

The compression resistance was determined on the basis of DIN 55440-1: 2019-10 on the inspect 20 test machine from Hegewald & Peschke at a test speed of 12.5 mm / min. For the test, a single segment with the dimensions of approx. 35 mm x 35 mm was tested. An initial load (preload) of 5 N was applied to the test pieces. 10 individual values per sample were determined and an average value was calculated from them. The molded fiber cast bodies consisted of 9 each (3x3) individual segments with the dimensions of approx. 110 mm x 110 mm. As agreed, the compression test was carried out on the individual segments.

10 strips each were measured. The breaking force / elongation at break was determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1924-2: 2009-05 with an elongation rate of 20 mm / min and a clamping length of 100 mm. As agreed, 10 strips from two laboratory sheets of a sample were measured and an average value was formed from the individual values. The mean value of the mass per unit area of the laboratory sheets was used for the calculated parameters.

Example 1:

Laboratory sheets from moist pressed pulp:

FIG. 1 illustrates the density and specific volume as a function of the proportion of wet sugar beet pulp.

[0270] FIG. 2 illustrates the tensile strength as a function of the proportion of wet sugar beet pulp.

Example 2:

Laboratory sheets made from dried pressed pulp:

3 illustrates the density and specific volume as a function of the proportion of dry sugar beet pulp.

4 illustrates the tensile strength as a function of the proportion of dry sugar beet pulp.

Example 3:

[0274] Fiber casting from moist and wet pressed pulp:

5 illustrates the maximum upsetting force of the molded fiber cast bodies in comparison.

The two samples of sugar beet pulp, wet and dry, could be processed without any particular difficulties.

A moderate input of specific energy resulted in a fiber-like character of the material.

This is an important aspect for the use of the material in the fiber casting process. The difficulty is to achieve rapid drainage during molding and to be able to remove the cast fiber parts from the mold without damaging them. An admixture of 20% and 40% sugar beet pulp was possible for both samples. When using 40% of the ground wet sample, the first problems with demolding in the fiber casting were evident. When using the samples in the laboratory sheet formation, proportions of up to 80% sugar beet pulp in the mixture were possible. 100% sugar beet pulp was not possible with the existing sample tools, neither for the laboratory sheet formation nor for the fiber casting.

The influence of the material on the tensile strength is considerable when the material is admixed, especially the dry sample. However, it decreases again with higher admixtures.

In terms of compressive strength, the molded fiber bodies of the mixtures of the ground dry sample achieved higher values - compared to the mixtures with the ground, wet sugar beet pulp sample. In contrast to the tensile strength of the laboratory sheets, when the admixture is increased, the compressive strength decreases in both series (wet and dry).

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A method for producing a molded fiber article comprising the steps

(a) providing a suspension of solids, which comprises particles obtained from sugar beet, in a liquid;

(b) depositing at least a portion of the solids on a mold; and

(c) drying the deposited solids to obtain the molded fiber article.

2. The method of claim 1 which is a fiber casting process.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid comprises water.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the liquid is an aqueous solution comprising at least one or more of the following ingredients:

(i) Oxidizing agents, such as CF, O ₂ , O3, CIO ₂ , H ₂ O ₂ , NaC1O ₂ , NaOCl, HCO ₃ H, H ₂ SO ₅ ,

H2S2O8;

(ii) acids, such as, for example, HCO ₂ H, CH ₃ CO ₂ H, C1CH ₂ CO ₂ H, H ₃ BO ₃ , HCl, HBr, H ₃ PO ₄ , H ₂ SO ₃ , H2SO ₄ ;

(iii) bases such as e.g. NaHCO ₃ , Na ₂ CO ₃ , NaOH, KOH, Mg (OH) ₂ , Ca (OH) ₂ ;

(iv) sulfites or SO ₂ , such as, for example, Na ₂ SO ₃ , (MT ^ SOs, Ca (HSO ₃ ) ₂ ;

(v) sulfates, such as Na ₂ SO ₄ , FeSO ₄ , MgSO ₄ , CaSO ₄ ;

(vi) sulfonates such as fignosulfonate;

(vii) other inorganic salts such as NaBr, K ', | fc (CN) ₍ , |. Na2SiO ₃ , Na2S, Na ₂ S ₂ O ₄ ;

(viii) organic aromatic or heteroaromatic compounds such as furfuryl alcohol, anthraquinone;

(x) enzymes such as endoglucanases (cellulases), xylanases;

(xi) or their respective reaction products with one another or with other components of the suspension.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the water content is in the range from 50 to 99% by weight, preferably 70 to 99% by weight, based on the total weight of the suspension.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles obtained from sugar beet contain sucrose and the content of sucrose in the particles is at most 25% by weight, based on the dry weight of the particles.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles obtained from sugar beet contain pectin and the content of pectin in the particles is at least 10% by weight, based on the dry weight of the particles.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles obtained from sugar beet contain pectin and the content of pectin in the particles is at most 34% by weight, based on the dry weight of the particles.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles obtained from sugar beet contain lignin and the content of lignin in the particles is at most 5.0% by weight, based on the dry weight of the particles.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles obtained from sugar beet contain cellulose and the content of cellulose in the particles is at least 10% by weight, based on the dry weight of the particles.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles obtained from sugar beet contain cellulose and the content of cellulose in the particles is at most 30% by weight, based on the dry weight of the particles.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles obtained from sugar beet contain hemicellulose and the hemicellulose content in the particles is at least 10% by weight, based on the dry weight of the particles.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles obtained from sugar beet contain hemicellulose and the hemicellulose content in the particles is at most 30% by weight, based on the dry weight of the particles.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles obtained from sugar beet have a water content of at most 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the particles.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solids of the suspension provided in step (a) include, in addition to the particles obtained from sugar beet, additional particles obtained from plants or plant parts which differ from sugar beets.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the additional particles are obtained from wood.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the additional particles are obtained from a hardwood.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the additional particles were obtained from a hardwood selected from the group consisting of acacia, eucalyptus, maple, oak, aspen, birch, cottonwood, alder, ash, cherry, elm, hickory, poplar, rubber tree , Walnut, black locust, plane tree, beech, trumpet tree, sassafras, gmelina, silk tree, anthocephalus and magnolia.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the additional particles are obtained from eucalyptus.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the additional particles contain lignin and the content of lignin in the additional particles is at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, and even more preferably at least 30% by weight .-%, based in each case on the dry weight of the additional particles.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the additional particles contain lignin and the content of lignin in the additional particles is at most 45% by weight, more preferably at most 40% by weight, and even more preferably at most 35% by weight .-%, based in each case on the dry weight of the additional particles.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the additional particles contain lignin and the content of lignin in the additional particles is in the range from 20 to 45% by weight, based on the dry weight of the additional particles; more preferably 25 to 40% by weight, and even more preferably 30 to 35% by weight.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the additional particles contain fibers.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the mean fiber length of the fibers is at least 300 microns. more preferably at least 400 µm. even more preferably at least 500 μm, most preferably at least 600 μm, and in particular at least 700 μm.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the mean fiber length of the fibers is at most 1200 μm, more preferably at most 1100 μm, even more preferably at most 1000 μm, most preferably at most 900 μm, and in particular at most 800 μm.

26. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 25, wherein the mean fiber length of the fibers is in the range from 400 to 1200 μm; more preferably 500 to 1100 μm, even more preferably 600 to 1000 μm, most preferably 600 to 900 μm, and in particular 650 to 850 μm.

27. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the relative weight fraction of the additional particles is at most 75% by weight, more preferably at most 70% by weight, even more preferably at most 65% by weight, most preferably at most 60% by weight , and in particular at most 55% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the totality of all particles.

28. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 27, wherein the relative weight fraction of the additional particles is at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, even more preferably at least 40% by weight, most preferably at least 45% by weight % By weight, and in particular at least 50% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the totality of all particles.

29. The method according to any one of claims 15 or 28, wherein the relative weight proportion of the additional particles is in the range from 20 to 80% by weight, based on the dry weight of the totality of all particles; more preferably 30 to 70% by weight, even more preferably 40 to 60% by weight, and most preferably 45 to 55% by weight.

30. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 29, wherein the relative weight fraction of the particles obtained from sugar beet is at most 75% by weight, more preferably at most 70% by weight, even more preferably at most 65% by weight, most preferably at most 60 % By weight, and in particular at most 55% by weight, in each case based on the dry weight of the totality of all particles.

31. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 30, wherein the relative weight fraction of the particles obtained from sugar beet is at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, even more preferably at least 40% by weight, most preferably at least 45% Wt .-%, and in particular at least 50% by weight, based in each case on the dry weight of the totality of all particles.

32. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 31, wherein the relative weight proportion of the particles obtained from sugar beet is in the range from 20 to 80% by weight, based on the dry weight of the totality of all particles; more preferably 30 to 70% by weight, even more preferably 40 to 60% by weight, and most preferably 45 to 55% by weight.

33. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles obtained from sugar beets have an average grain size in the range from 5 to 5000 μm, preferably from 30 to 800 μm.

34. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 30% by weight of the particles, based on the total weight of the particles, have a grain size in the range from 30 to 800 μm.

35. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the particles contain fibers.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the mean fiber length of the fibers is in the range from 30 to 10,000 μm, preferably 30 to 2500 μm.

37. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (a) sugar beet cuttings are provided, then thermomechanically processed and then suspended in the liquid.

38. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (a) sugar beet cuttings are extruded together with a liquid and optionally other materials and additives in an extruder.

39. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (a) sugar beet cuttings go through a disintegrating grinding process.

40. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (a) sugar beet cuttings go through at least two disintegrating grinding processes one after the other.

41. The method according to one of claims 39 or 40, wherein the disintegrating grinding process is carried out using a refiner, a fiberizer, a toothed colloid mill or a disk mill.

42. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the disintegrating grinding process takes place at elevated temperature and / or elevated pressure or also without pressure.

43. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein the disintegrating grinding process takes place together with a liquid and possibly other materials and additives.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the weight ratio of particles to liquid during milling is in the range from 33:67 to 5:95, preferably from 16:84 to 7:93.

45. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 44, wherein the sugar beet cossettes have an average particle size of at most 2.0 mm after grinding.

46. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step (a) comprises one or more of the substeps:

(a ₁ ) producing sugar beet pulp by crushing sugar beet; and or

(a ₂ ) extracting sucrose from the sugar beet pulp; and or

(a ₃ ) compressing the sugar beet pulp; and or

(a ₄ ) drying the beet pulp; and or

(a ₅ ) moistening the beet pulp with liquid; and or

(a ₆ ) adding additional particles obtained from plants or parts of plants which differ from sugar beets; and or

(a ₇ ) digesting the sugar beet pulp; and or

(a ₈ ) filtering the digested sugar beet pulp; and or

(a ₉ ) washing the digested sugar beet pulp with washing liquid; and or

(a ₁₀ ) separating at least part of the washing liquid (with the additives possibly contained therein) from the digested sugar beet cossettes; and or

(a ₁₁ ) recovering the separated washing liquid with any additives contained therein;

(a ₁₂ ) processing the separated washing liquid; and or (a ₁₃ ) recycling the separated and possibly processed washing liquid to sub-step (a _? ) and / or sub-step (as); and or

(a ₁₄ ) extracting pectin from the sugar beet pulp; and / or (a ₁₅ ) bleaching the sugar beet pulp; and or

(a ₁₆ ) mechanical processing, preferably refining and / or grinding of the sugar beet pulp; and or

(a ₁₇ ) chemically modifying the fibers contained in the sugar beet pulp; and / or (a ₁₈ ) suspending the ground sugar beet cossettes in liquid.

47. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step (b) comprises the sub-steps:

(b ₁ ) bringing the suspension together with the mold, the mold being a suction mold which comprises a plurality of pores;

(b ₂ ) depositing at least a portion of the solids on the suction mold by sucking liquid through the pores of the suction mold;

(b ₃ ) separating the suction mold with the solids deposited thereon from the remaining suspension; and

(b ₄ ) if necessary, separating the separated solids from the suction mold.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein step (b) additionally comprises the substeps:

(b ₅ ) transferring the separated solids to a transfer mold;

(b ₆ ) if necessary, predrying the separated solids;

(b ₇ ) if necessary, transferring the separated solids to a first mold; and

(b ₈ ) if necessary, closing the first mold with a second mold, the separated solids being arranged in the space between the first mold and the second mold.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the first mold and / or the second mold are heated.

50. The method of claim 47 or 49, wherein the deposited solids are compressed between the first mold and the second mold.

51. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein no synthetic adhesives are used.

52. A molded fiber part obtainable or obtained by the method according to one of the preceding claims.

53. The molded fiber part according to claim 52, which is selected from the group consisting of molded fiber packaging, molded fiber trays, molded fiber cushions, molded fiber inserts and molded fiber containers.

54. The molded fiber part according to claim 52 or 53, which has a layer thickness in the range from 0.1 to 50 mm.

55. A molded fiber part comprising particles which are obtained from sugar beet according to one of claims 33 to 36, and optionally additional particles according to one of claims 15 to 26.