LATHAM, N.Y. (Nov. 15, 2018) — PrimaLoft, Inc., a global leader in advanced material technology, today expanded its suite of biodegradable* technologies with the introduction of PrimaLoft^® Bio™ Performance Fabric, the first 100% recycled, biodegradable synthetic fabric. PrimaLoft^® Bio™ Performance Fabric joins the recently launched PrimaLoft^® Bio™ Insulation, also the first technology of its kind. PrimaLoft is targeting fall 2020 for consumer availability of both iterations of its biodegradable products.

The same 100% recycled, biodegradable technology used in the development of PrimaLoft^® Bio™ Insulation is used in the development of PrimaLoft^® Bio™ Performance Fabric.

“From the beginning of this process, we have always considered fabrics to be a particularly important part of the development of biodegradable materials. With this advancement, a fabric garment may now be completed returned to nature.” said Mike Joyce, president and CEO of PrimaLoft. “Because we will not compromise performance, we needed to ensure that our biodegradable fibers would stand up to the rigorous process of manufacturing fabrics, while maintaining its ability to degrade. This is really a new frontier, and we are out in front, setting the standard. As we drive this approach, we will be leading the way towards significantly lessening the environmental impact of the textile industry.”

Made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, PrimaLoft^® Bio™ fibers break down when exposed to specific environments–such as a landfill or the ocean. 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 fabric or insulation to natural elements.

As a result, this breakthrough combats the growing problem of microplastics littering the ocean, a significant issue for the textile industry. It is estimated that half a million tons of plastic micro-fibers 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. PrimaLoft^® Bio™ fibers will only biodegrade when exposed to the naturally-occurring microbes in landfills or bodies of water, thus, the fabric remains highly durable throughout its usable life cycle in a garment.

Specific test results show 84.1% biodegradation in 423 days under ASTM D5511* conditions (accelerated landfill simulation) and 55.1% in biodegradation in 409 days under ASTM D6691** conditions (accelerated landfill simulation).

“We never saw recycling as the final answer. We have not only been able to break the biodegradability code but, we’re really setting sustainability forward,” Joyce continued. “It’s going to be very challenging to police the world but, what we can do is effect the properties of the fiber, so that it does no harm. This is part of our commitment to be Relentlessly Responsible.”

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. PrimaLoft expects to continue to push the industry forward with a similar commitment to biodegradable technology across its product portfolio.

*Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions

**Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Marine Environment by a Defined Microbial Consortium or Natural Sea Water Inoculum

About PrimaLoft, Inc.: PrimaLoft, Inc., an advanced material technology solutions 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 and fabrics. 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 primaloft.com, and follow PrimaLoft on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. PrimaLoft^®, Feel the Performance™.