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Intrinsic Advanced Materials' CICLO Additive Enables Accelerated Biodegradation of Synthetic Fibers
Charlotte, USA - January 23, 2025: A breakthrough additive developed by Intrinsic Advanced Materials in collaboration with Parkdale Mills is set to transform the sustainability of synthetic fibers by enabling their accelerated biodegradation. The CICLO additive, applied during the fiber extrusion process, creates numerous biodegradable sites within the polymer matrix, allowing naturally occurring microbes to break down synthetic fibers in suitable environments—similar to the decomposition of natural fibers like cotton and wool.
Long-term studies have confirmed that PET and nylon fabrics treated with CICLO degrade at significantly faster rates compared to conventional synthetic fibers. Importantly, the biodegradation mechanism is only activated under specific environmental conditions, ensuring the fabrics maintain their performance and durability during storage and use. The decomposition process results in natural biogases and biomass, leaving no harmful residues.
Parkdale Mills has established a network of over 50 certified fiber and yarn manufacturers to ensure quality assurance and traceability in the supply of CICLO-enhanced products. Andrea Ferris, co-founder of Intrinsic Advanced Materials, predicts that non-biodegradable PET could become obsolete within a decade due to the growing adoption of such innovative solutions. This development addresses a key challenge in the textile industry, where synthetic fibers account for a significant portion of global fiber production—estimated at 81 million tons of PET alone in 2023.
The CICLO additive aligns with the global push for circular economy practices in the textile sector, offering a practical solution to reduce textile waste and minimize environmental impact without compromising product performance.