Fibers using proprietary technology enable highly accelerated rate of biodegradation
PrimaLoft, Inc., a global leader in advanced material technology solutions, introduced October 23, 2018 PrimaLoft® Bio, the first synthetic insulation made from 100% recycled, biodegradable fibers. Developed over the last four years by PrimaLoft’s team of scientists and engineers, PrimaLoft achieved this textile breakthrough without affecting the performance characteristics of the insulation. In accelerated test conditions simulating a landfill environment (ASTM D5511), PrimaLoft Bio fibers have reached near complete biodegradation in 394 days, a highly accelerated rate as compared to the negligible degradation observed in standard polyester, under the same conditions. This proprietary technology does not change the performance, look or feel of the garment and is expected to be available to consumers in fall 2020.
PrimaLoft Bio fibers break down when exposed to landfill or ocean environment. PrimaLoft has enhanced the fibers to be more attractive to the naturally-occurring microbes found in these anaerobic environments. The microbes eat away at the fibers at a faster rate, returning the insulation to nature. The biodegradation process leaves behind water, methane, carbon dioxide and biomass (expired microorganisms, organic waste). PrimaLoft Bio insulation will only biodegrade when exposed to the microbes in landfills or ocean water, thus, the insulation remains highly durable throughout its usable life cycle in a garment.
“With PrimaLoft Bio, PrimaLoft is leading the charge by redefining what sustainability really means,” said Mike Joyce, president and CEO of PrimaLoft. “Recycling is a good start but, we are intent on providing an even better answer to the environmental issues facing our industry. As we have been making sustainable products since 2007, PrimaLoft Bio speaks to the heart and soul of who we are. We looked at the global issues, including the proliferation of textile waste and microplastics, and determined how PrimaLoft could make a positive impact within our core competencies – material science and polymers. This technology, one of the most significant global technology launches in the company’s history, provides a solution at the material level, which was key for our vision.”
The idea was already born in 2014 from the PrimaLoft product management. After two years of research, it took two years to develop the process and more than a year of testing with an independent lab. “PrimaLoft Bio has the potential to transform the outdoor and fashion/lifestyle industries’ supply chain,” said Dr. Charles Lancelot, a materials technologist who worked alongside PrimaLoft during the testing process. “Over 80% of discarded textile and garment wastes were landfilled in 2014 in the US, accounting for nearly 8% of the total waste. This advanced biodegradation technology from PrimaLoft leverages progressive end-of-life material science and demands the attention of every apparel brand interested in making a smaller environmental footprint.
PrimaLoft Bio expands upon PrimaLoft’s commitment to being Relentlessly Responsible, providing sustainable solutions throughout its business in order to lessen its impact on the earth. To date, PrimaLoft has saved more than 84.7 million plastic bottles from landfills and transformed them into premium insulation technologies. By 2020, 90% of PrimaLoft insulation products will have at least 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, without compromising performance. Earlier this year, PrimaLoft introduced its first insulations with 100% post-consumer recycled material. Moving forward, PrimaLoft is working diligently and investing to reduce its footprint through the supply chain with an emphasis on finding solutions for reducing energy, carbon emission reduction, utilizing biodegradable products and incorporating natural plant-based fibers in its products.
“With premium quality, we want our consumers to be able to enjoy their garments for many years,” continued Joyce. “Yet, we know that products have a life cycle and are eventually disposed one day. PrimaLoft Bio goes hand in hand with sustainability, by providing a solution for the end of a garment’s life cycle. We are excited to be the first to solve this problem in the synthetic insulation category.”
About PrimaLoft, Inc.
PrimaLoft, Inc., a materials science company based in Latham, New York with offices in Germany and China, is the world leader in research and innovative development of comfort solutions with high performance insulations, fabrics and yarns. The PrimaLoft brand, a registered trademark of PrimaLoft, Inc., delivers feel-good products that are used in the top global outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear, hunting and military applications. PrimaLoft insulation was originally developed for the U.S. army as a water-resistant, synthetic alternative to down. Today, the brand is recognized as a benchmark in the outdoor industry for providing unsurpassed comfort in any condition, ultimately empowering users to stay in the moment. PrimaLoft, Inc. is active in sustainable textile production through partnerships with the bluesign® system, the International OEKO-TEX® Association and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Index. For more information, please visit www.PrimaLoft.com, and follow PrimaLoft on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
