Abstract: A fiber blend containing: (a) a cellulose acetate (CA) staple fibers having a denier per filament (DPF) of 3.0 or less; and (b) structural staple fibers having a dpf of 6.0 or more; and (c) optionally binder fibers. The fiber blend can be made into nonwoven webs for heat-bonding and subsequent use as thermal insulation in, e.g., outerwear, bedding, etc. The fiber blend can now contain sustainably derived fibers, optionally biodegradable, that provide good thermal insulation clo values and loft even after multiple wash cycles along with good short term compression recovery.

Abstract: A fiber blend comprising a staple fiber formed from cellulose acetate and a binder fiber. The staple fiber has a crimp frequency of 10 to 30 crimps per inch (CPI), a cut length of 55 mm or less, and a non-round cross-sectional shape. The blend can be made into nonwoven webs for heat-bonding and subsequent use as thermal insulation in, e.g., outerwear, bedding, etc. The cellulose acetate fibers provide superior thermal insulation clo value relative to at equivalent loft.