Biodegradable synthetic fibers: chemical solution to the problem of microplastic

Polyester has become the king of textile fibers for a clear reason: it combines strength, lightness, durability and low cost. It represents more than 50% of all fibers produced in the world and is key for the fashion, sports or technical textile industries. However, this high-performance fiber comes at a high environmental cost: its petroleum-derived synthetic structure makes it virtually non-biodegradable, persisting in the environment for centuries once discarded.

Mechanical recycling, although useful, does not solve the core of the problem. The majority of recycled polyester comes from PET bottles and not used clothing, meaning the textile stream is still dependent on virgin material. Additionally, even recycled clothing generates microplastics with every wash—invisible particles that end up in rivers, oceans, and human food chains. Today, 35% of marine microplastics already come from synthetic textile fibers.

Faced with this reality, chemistry is opening a new path: transforming polyester from within so that it is biodegradable. Through advanced additives that are integrated during the manufacturing of the fiber, it is possible to alter its structure and make it susceptible to the action of microorganisms once it reaches the appropriate environment, such as a landfill or the ocean. It is a disruptive approach that seeks not only to recycle, but to reduce the impact of what is not recycled.

What is CiCLO® technology?

CiCLO® is a technology developed by Intrinsic Advanced Materials, incorporated as a biodegradable additive that is added during the extrusion of polyester fibers ornylon.

This additive creates “biodegradability points” distributed throughout the fiber, which allows microorganisms in the environment to access the material and begin their decomposition.

Unlike conventional polyester, these stitches mean that, once exposed to humid and microbial environments (such as anaerobic landfills, soil or seawater), the fibers begin the biodegradation process, with rates comparable to wool. natural. This notable transformation significantly reduces environmental persistence and the generation of microplastics, without affecting the durability or functional performance of the textile.

Scientific evidence and laboratory tests

1. Results in simulated conditions (landfill and marine environment)

Studies performed using industry standard methods—such as ASTM D5511 for anaerobic environments and ASTM D6691 for marine environments—have shown that fibers treated with CiCLO® biodegrade at rates significantly higher than conventional polyester. In controlled trials, these fibers have shown decomposition similar to that of natural materials such as wool.

2. Comparison with natural materials

According to GoEX Apparel, fibers with CiCLO® treatment show degradation rates similar to those of cotton, and in natural conditions, even closer to those of wool. This positions the technology as an effective alternative to mitigate the persistence of synthetic fibers in the environment.

3. International certifications

The additive has certification ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®, which guarantees its chemical safety. Additionally, biodegradation results have been validated by independent laboratories such as Intertek and Bureau Veritas, following ASTM D5511 and ASTM D6691.

4. Links to reports and studies

• CiCLO® official website with technical documentation: cyclotextiles.com.

• Article in International Fiber Journal about the launch of REPREVE with CiCLO®.

• Report in Green Lodging News detailing accelerated biodegradation and use hotelier.

Industrial application and brands that are already using it

Who manufactures it

CiCLO® technology has been developed and is marketed through the joint venture Intrinsic Advanced Materials, created between Intrinsic Textiles Group and Parkdale Advanced Materials (part of Parkdale Mills).

Examples

• UNIFI – REPREVE with CiCLO®: Unifi, known for its REPREVE recycled yarns, has recently launched a polyester and nylon line incorporating CiCLO®. According to Recycling Today, this new fiber allows it to decompose in natural environments without losing performance or capacity. had.

• Home Textiles Today notes that several sustainable brands—such as Target, Bass Pro Shops, Billabong, Champion and Oakley—are using REPREVE-based products with CiCLO® in both apparel and home textile applications, reducing the generation of microfibers.

Integration into existing processes

CiCLO® is added during the extrusion of the threads in a simple way, without the need to modify machinery or production processes. Furthermore, the performance, feel, strength and dyeability of the final product remain intact, facilitating adoption by millers and brands without technical complications.

Benefits for sustainable brands and chemical companies like ADRASA

• It allows us to offer products with a lower environmental impact without compromising quality or functionality.

• Responds to the growing problem of microplastic pollution —CiCLO® acts as a preventative solution.

• It reinforces the image of sustainability and complies with regulations and expectations of consumers and institutions.

• Although ADRASA does not currently work with this technology, we recognize its value within the sustainable innovation ecosystem in the textile industry. Solutions like CiCLO® open new avenues for the sector to move towards more environmentally friendly textile chemistry.

Environmental impact and alignment with sustainability

CiCLO® technology offers key contributions to reduce the environmental impact of synthetic textiles.

1. Reduction of pollution from synthetic microfibers

Every year between 200,000 and 500,000 tons of microfibers are released into the ocean from washing synthetic clothing; These particles represent approximately 35% of the total marine microplastics.

CiCLO® does not eliminate the initial release of microfibers, but makes possible their accelerated biodegradation in environments such as landfills or marine soils, thus reducing their persistence and toxic accumulation in the environment.

2. Complementary approach to mechanical recycling

While mechanical recycling is limited to reusing only 15% of textiles—according to the EPA, the remaining 85% ends up in landfills or is incinerates—, CiCLO® acts in the end-of-life phase of non-recycled garments, allowing their natural degradation under real environmental conditions.

3. Reduction of emissions and improvement of the carbon footprint

By integrating CiCLO® during production without additional intensive processes, the footprint associated with the post-consumer cycle is avoided. Life cycle studies demonstrate a lower environmental load in landfills and marinas, especially due to the reduction of persistent plastic waste.

Together, CiCLO® facilitates a transition towards a circular textile economy, promoting responsible chemistry that does not sacrifice quality or functionality.

Current challenges and future perspectives

Although CiCLO® technology represents a significant advance in textile sustainability, its mass adoption still faces several challenges.

1. Technical limitations

The additive does not biodegrade in any environment: it requires specific conditions, such as the presence of microorganisms, adequate humidity and temperature. For example, it does not decompose during use or washing, but only in anaerobic (landfill) or active marine environments, according to standardized tests such as ASTM D5511 and ASTM D6691.

2. Market acceptance and consumer education

Many brands still do not know how to correctly communicate the benefits of technologies like CiCLO®. As it is not a “bioplastic”, but rather a modified conventional plastic, misunderstandings may arise. The manufacturing company, Intrinsic Advanced Materials, has developed user guides and responsible communication to avoid greenwashing and promote adequate technical understanding.

3. Future technical improvements

Currently, CiCLO® is primarily applied to polyester and nylon, but possibilities are being explored to extend it to other synthetic fibers, such as elastane. Its combination with recycled fibers is also being studied, which would allow a textile product that is doubly sustainable: recycled and biodegradable at the end of its life. These lines of innovation have been highlighted at fairs such as Functional Fabric Fair, where the company presents its progress.

4. Regulatory evolution

Legislative pressure towards more circular fashion is increasing. The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles includes targets to reduce the release of microplastics and ensure that textile products have a viable end-of-life plan. Although there are still no regulations that explicitly encourage technologies such as CiCLO®, it is expected that in the coming years the regulatory framework will favor solutions that reduce the persistence of textile waste.

Conclusion

The extreme durability of synthetic fabrics, traditionally considered an advantage, has become one of the biggest environmental challenges in the textile sector. However, applied chemistry today offers concrete and verifiable solutions. Technologies such as CiCLO® demonstrate that it is possible to design materials that retain their technical properties during use, but are capable of accelerated biodegradation at the end of their useful life, under controlled conditions.

For ADRASA, this case represents a clear inspiration: well-applied chemistry—effective, safe and compatible with existing production systems—can change the paradigm of what we understand by textile sustainability. It is not just about reducing, recycling or reusing, but about rethinking chemistry from its origin to directly address the fate of the materials we produce.

At a time when climate urgency and the accumulation of textile waste demand immediate responses, this type of innovation paves the way towards a more responsible industry. Going from persistence to dissolution, without giving up performance, is possible. And it will, without a doubt, be well-designed chemistry that will lead that transition.

Textile sustainability begins in the laboratory.

At ADRASA we are committed to chemistry at the service of the planet and people. If you are part of the textile chain and share this vision,let’s talk.