CELYS biodegradable polyester fiber. Courtesy of CELYS.
Annually, approximately half a million tonnes of microfibers enter the oceans from washing clothes. This phenomenon is increasing with rising textile production and consumption. To mitigate this, researchers consider two strategies: developing biodegradable materials and enhancing wastewater treatment to capture microfibers. The professional team at INTIMITI Australia focuses on the first strategy, which is to create a biodegradable polyester material, CELYS. This fiber outperforms conventional PET fibers, enabling its use as a sustainable alternative in textile production.
You can also read: The Fashion Industry Needs an Alternative to Recycled PET
Under industrial conditions, CELYS can break down at 95.4% into harmless byproducts such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass in just 179 days. Incorporating easily hydrolyzable linkages into the polymer backbones during polyester polymerization contributes to this remarkable capability.
Due to its biodegradable properties, CELYS meets the ASTM D6400 standard in the United States and the EN13432 standard in European countries. As a result, it has also earned certifications from DIN CERTCO and BPI.
While CELYS presents advantages over conventional PET, it also outperforms additive-based ‘biodegradable’ polyester in several aspects. Unlike the latter, which merely alters the microphysical structures of PET, potentially leading to microfiber or microplastic issues. CELYS actively transforms the chemical structure, offering more comprehensive environmental benefits.
Comparison chart between CELYS fiber and additive-based ‘biodegradable’ polyester. Courtesy of CELYS.
To ensure that no textiles or waste products end up in landfills at the end of their life cycle, INTIMITI has a recycling technology for CELYS fiber. Soon, as volumes accumulate, they will invite brand customers to join this recycling project.
The project allows the collection and recycling of used CELYS textile products. This process retrieves valuable monomers, which researchers then use to reproduce CELYS™ fibers.
CELYS represents a significant step toward a circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled, or returned to their natural environment.
For inquiries and further details about the CELYS proposal, click here. Explore their certification program for fabrics featuring CELYS fiber.
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