The Technology Behind
Biodegradable Synthetics.
When CiCLO fibers are exposed to moisture and microorganisms in environments such as seawater, soil, wastewater sludge, and biologically active landfills, the microbes recognize the material as a nutrient source. They form colonies, secrete enzymes, and break molecular bonds. Over time the fiber is fully mineralized into natural elements, leaving no microplastics behind.
How CiCLO Technology Works in Nature
Take a closer look at how CiCLO Technology integrates into existing fiber production and significantly reduces the impact of microplastic fiber pollution.
Biodegradation does not activate during use or care
Science Behind the Technology.
Independent lab studies confirm CiCLO technology enables polyester to biodegrade in four environments where textile fibers are major pollutants. In respirometry tests, CiCLO polyester achieved at least 90 percent (full) biodegradation, leaving only natural elements behind, no microplastics.
Natural Seawater
ASTM D6691-17
Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Marine Environment by a Defined Microbial Consortium or Natural Seawater Inoculum. The standard test method measures the aerobic biodegradation of plastics exposed to natural seawater microbes. After 1,362 days, CiCLO fibers biodegraded 94.2 percent, compared to 3.8 percent for untreated polyester.
Soil
ASTM D5988
Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil. This test method evaluates biodegradation in fertile soil with active microbiota. After 1,170 days, CiCLO fibers biodegraded 91.1 percent, while untreated polyester fibers showed no biodegradation. Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry confirmed no microplastics remained in the soil.
Biologically Active Landfill
AASTM D5511-18
Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions. This method simulates landfill conditions with high solids and anaerobic digestion. After 1,278 days, CiCLO fibers biodegraded 91.1 percent, compared to 6.2 percent for untreated polyester. CiCLO samples were fully broken down.
Wastewater Sludge
ASTM D5210-92
Standard Test Method for Determining the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Presence of Municipal Sewage Sludge. This test method uses municipal sewage sludge to measure anaerobic biodegradation. Wastewater plants can capture up to 99 percent of shed fibers, which settle in sludge. After 952 days, CiCLO fibers biodegraded 90 percent, while untreated fibers showed no biodegradation. Within 55 days, the average sludge treatment time, CiCLO® had already biodegraded 14.9 percent (circled Source: Bren Microplastics (source link: https://brenmicroplastics.weebly.com/)
Comparable to Wool
ASTM D5511
Independent studies confirm CiCLO fibers biodegrade in four environments, similar to wool. In respirometry tests, CiCLO fibers achieved greater than 90 percent biodegradation, with the remainder as biomass, and no microplastics were detected.
Globally Recognized, Rigorously Tested.
CiCLO technology is backed by certifications and independent testing partners that meet global industry standards. We are a responsible innovator you can trust.
OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT
The chemistry used to make CiCLO fibers is OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified, confirming that it is safe and has been tested and analyzed against strict criteria for a lower environmental impact.
Reach
REACH is a European Union regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemical Hazards, adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment. All components of CiCLO chemistry are REACH compliant.
ASTM
ASTM International is a global standards developing organization. Fibers and fabrics created with CiCLO technology are tested for biodegradation by third-party labs using ASTM Test Methods, including ASTM D6691 (seawater), ASTM D5210 (wastewater sludge), ASTM D5988 (soil), and ASTM D5511 (anaerobic digester/landfill).
ISO
The International Organization for Standardization is a global standards developing organization. Fibers and fabrics created with CiCLO technology are tested for biodegradation by third-party labs using ISO Test Methods, including ISO 19679 (seawater/sediment interface), ISO 15985 (anaerobic digester/landfill), and ISO 17556 (soil).
Intertek
Intertek is a global testing, inspection, and certification company. Materials made with CiCLO technology are tested by Intertek for biodegradation using ASTM and ISO Test Methods.
Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas is a global testing, inspection, and certification company. Materials made with CiCLO technology are tested by Bureau Veritas for biodegradation using ASTM and ISO Test Methods.
Eden Research Laboratory
Eden Research Laboratory is a specialized independent lab focused on biodegradation testing. Eden Research tests materials made with CiCLO technology for biodegradation.
Question, answered
Yes. CiCLO tracers are embedded during fiber extrusion and can be detected throughout production. Certified fiber producers must issue a Certificate of Authenticity, which is required for hangtags and co marketing. While additional testing can be performed when necessary, the certificate is the standard proof of verification.
Biodegradable materials naturally break down into carbon dioxide, water, methane, and biomass. Compostable materials require industrial composting systems and must meet standards such as ASTM D6400, which requires at least 90 percent carbon conversion within 180 days. CiCLO is not compostable, because industrial composting facilities typically do not process textiles. Instead, CiCLO is designed to biodegrade in natural environments where microplastic pollution is most harmful.
While we cannot make a blanket statement that no chemistries affect the degradation performance, we can share that we’ve tested various finishes and have not yet found a chemistry that hinders biodegradation. We can say with confidence that CiCLO textiles and associated textile dyes that satisfy 3rd party certifications such as bluesign®, OEKO-TEX® or Cradle to Cradle will safely be biodegraded, decolorized and mineralized into basic chemical compounds that are harmless.
Yes, CiCLO fibers are safe. The chemistry used to make them is proven to be safe for use in sustainable textiles by a third-party certification called OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT. They verify that each substance meets industry statutory requirements and is not harmful to human health. Additional independent tests have been conducted to confirm that the process of CiCLO polyester biodegrading in seawater and soil is non-toxic to marine and plant life.
CiCLO fibers may be blended with other materials like cotton, wool, tencel, spandex, or any other textile fiber. The presence of CiCLO fibers in a product will not have any impact on other fiber types that it may be blended with.
When it comes to the speed of biodegradation, there is really no “should be” rate. Rates depend on microbial diversity, density, and local conditions. These factors vary between labs and natural environments. The consistent result across all testing is that CiCLO fibers biodegrade significantly faster than untreated synthetics. Since these are living systems, they vary.
The value of lab testing is to demonstrate that microbial metabolism of synthetic materials is possible under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions at various temperatures when using CiCLO technology. In contrast, polyester without CiCLO remains refractory and persistent in the same conditions.