The Invisible Problem
We Cannot See.
The average person may ingest between 38K and 52K microplastic particles per year, with inhalation potentially increasing exposure to 100K+ particles annually. Microplastic pollution from synthetic textiles is one of the most urgent challenges affecting our environment today. Polyester and nylon account for about 60% of global textile production, and even the best-made synthetics shed tiny plastic fibers throughout manufacturing, wear, and washing.
Almost invisible, their impact is massive. Microplastic fibers pollute ecosystems, enter our food chain, and are now found in our bodies.
What Are Microplastic Fibers?
Microplastic fibers are fragments 5 millimeters or less, often thinner than a human hair, shed from synthetic textiles. Shedding occurs during production, use, and care at alarming rates.
Synthetics are chosen for durability, yet this also means they don’t biodegrade. They accumulate in oceans, soil, and air, becoming a growing threat to biodiversity, climate, and human health.
How Microplastics Enter Our Lives.
Massive Production
120 million tons of polyester were produced, projected to exceed 90 million tons by 2030.
Textile Exchange
In Our Food
Microplastics don’t just stay in the water. 99% of seafood consumed globally has been found to contain microplastics, highlighting the urgent need to act.
Environment America
In Our Ocean
Synthetic textiles are responsible for approximately 35% of all microplastics released into the ocean.
Cox et al., Environmental Science & TechnologyWhile textiles are not the only source, they are one of the largest. Addressing the crisis requires starting at the source and rethinking the fibers we use.
Breaking the Cycle.
Durable products shouldn’t leave lasting problems behind. CiCLO technology gives synthetics an eventual expiration date.
CiCLO is a patented additive embedded into polyester and nylon at the molecular level. It creates pathways that allow naturally occurring microbes in oceans, soil, landfills, and wastewater systems to break down fibers over time.
The result: Textiles that perform like your favorites in use, but when they shed or reach end of life, they biodegrade into natural elements instead of persisting as microplastic pollution.
Independent third-party labs confirm CiCLO fibers can completely biodegrade in under four years, while conventional synthetics can remain intact indefinitely. At the same time, CiCLO fabrics stay durable during wear and are recyclable, making them compatible with existing manufacturing and circular systems.
Progress without compromise
CiCLO is cost-effective, fully traceable, and already scaled globally through certified fiber producers. Today, it’s trusted by major retailers and brands like Target, Walmart, and Champion, helping them design clothing, bedding, and gear that last without leaving a lasting impact.
Progress Without Compromise
By choosing CiCLO products, you help reduce microfiber pollution – without giving up durability, quality, or performance.
News & Insights.
From Policy to Industry Action: Why the Fight Against Microplastic Pollution Can’t Wait Andrea Ferris, Oct 7 2025
From Policy to Industry Action: Why the Fight Against Microplastic Pollution Can’t Wait By Andrea Ferris, Co-Founder & CEO, Intrinsic Advance Materials + CiCLO® Technology Recently, when the news broke that the latest global negotiations in Geneva had failed to reach a consensus on a binding plastics treaty, many of us working to solve this […]
CiCLO® Technology Takes Home ‘Behind the Seams Award’ for Innovation and Leadership in Tackling Microplastic Pollution
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION [GASTONIA, N.C.] — September 18, 2025 — Intrinsic Advanced Materials (IAM) announced that the Home Fashion Products Association (HFPA) has recognized CiCLO® Technology with the 2025 Home Excellence Behind the Seams Award. This honor underscores the company’s commitment to addressing one of the textile industry’s fastest-rising concerns: microplastic pollution caused by the […]
CiCLO® Technology Expands Global Infrastructure to Stay Resilient in a Changing Economy
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION CiCLO® Technology Expands Global Infrastructure to Stay Resilient in a Changing Economy New partnerships in Colombia, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Türkiye strengthen CiCLO technology’s global reach, supporting supply chains for the world’s largest retailers and brands. GASTONIA, N.C., [SEPTEMBER 15, 2025] – CiCLO® technology, the proprietary biodegradable innovation that helps reduce […]
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