February 8, 2019 A Better Answer

PrimaLoft^® sets sustainability forward by introducing PrimaLoft^® Bio™ Insulation and PrimaLoft^® Bio™ Performance Fabric, each made from the first-ever 100% recycled, biodegradable* synthetic fiber.

It’s a breakthrough in textile sustainability. The advanced material technology experts at US-based PrimaLoft^® are the first to provide a proper solution for the end of a garment’s life. The recently launched PrimaLoft^® Bio™ products begin as 100% post-consumer recycled materials and, when they reach the end of their usable life cycle, return to nature – the first technology of its kind.

The basis is a technically advanced fiber technology, which enhances the fiber to be more attractive to naturally-occurring microbes. This allows for highly accelerated biodegradation* under certain environmental conditions, like in a landfill or in ocean water. In the end, the biodegradation process leaves behind natural elements: water, methane, carbon dioxide and biomass.

No change in performance

But don’t worry; your garments will not start to break down while you wear them. PrimaLoft^® Bio™ Insulation and PrimaLoft^® Bio™ Performance Fabric both remain highly durable throughout their usable life cycle in a garment. This proprietary technology does not change the performance, look or feel of the garment. The first products from brands are expected to be available to consumers in fall 2020.

4 years of development

Nobody can change the world in one day. The idea for this textile breakthrough was first introduced in 2014. But it took the PrimaLoft^® team of scientists and engineers two years of research to crack the code of biodegradation, another two years to develop the process and more than a year of testing with an independent lab to make sure that the performance of the fibers remain on the same high level.

In accelerated test conditions simulating a landfill environment (ASTM D5511) and a maritime environment (ASTM D6691), PrimaLoft^® Bio™ fibers have reached near complete biodegradation* in a little over one year – a highly accelerated rate as compared to the negligible degradation observed in standard polyester under the same conditions.

PrimaLoft^® has enhanced the fibers to be more attractive to the naturally-occurring microbes found in these environments. The microbes eat away at the fibers at a faster rate, returning the insulation to nature.

“Recycling is a good start, but…”

Mike Joyce, president and CEO of PrimaLoft^®, about the intention of PrimaLoft^® Bio™:

“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.”

As a result, PrimaLoft^® Bio™ helps to solve the growing problem of microplastics littering the ocean, a significant issue for the textile and other industries. It is estimated that half a million tons of plastic microfibers shed during the washing of plastic-based textiles such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic end up in the ocean every year, according to research from The Ellen Macarthur Foundation.

Relentlessly Responsible

PrimaLoft^® Bio™ expands upon Prima-Loft^®’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 90 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 content, without compromising performance.

Earlier in 2018, 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, and many more.

*84.9% biodegradation in 457 days under ASTM D5511 conditions; 56.1% biodegradation in 441 days under ASTM D6691 conditions.