Biosynthetic fibres
Also known as: Bio-based synthetics, Bio-polyester, Bio-polyamide
Synthetic fibres whose monomers are partly or fully derived from renewable feedstocks such as sugarcane, castor oil or corn.
Description
Biosynthetic fibres are chemically identical to conventional synthetics but their carbon comes fully or partly from biomass instead of petroleum. Prominent examples are bio-polyethylene terephthalate (bio-PET, e.g. with sugarcane monoethylene glycol), bio-PTT (DuPont Sorona™ with corn-based bio-1,3-propanediol) and bio-polyamides such as PA 11 (Rilsan, from castor oil) and partly bio-based PA 6.10 (EVO by Fulgar).
Benefits include a reduced fossil CO2 footprint (typically 20-60 % lower) and drop-in compatibility with existing spinning lines. Important caveat: these fibres are still plastic, generally not biodegradable and continue to shed microfibres — biosynthetics only solve the raw-material question, not the end-of-life one.
- Typical bio-content: 30 % (bio-PET) up to 100 % (PA 11 Rilsan)
- Key brands: Sorona, EcoPaXX, Rilsan, EVO by Fulgar
- Certifications: USDA BioPreferred, ISCC PLUS, TUEV Nord OK biobased
- Limitations: same microfibre and end-of-life issues as fossil synthetics
Properties
| Fibre class | Bio-based synthetic (PET, PTT, PA 11) |
|---|---|
| Feedstocks | Sugarcane, corn, castor oil, sugar beet |
| CO2 saving | Typically 20-60 % vs. fossil counterparts |
| End-of-life | Not biodegradable, same microplastic profile |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- DuPont Sorona sorona.com https://www.sorona.com/
- Arkema Rilsan (PA 11) hpp.arkema.com https://hpp.arkema.com/en/product-families/rilsan-polyamide-11-resins/
- USDA BioPreferred biopreferred.gov https://www.biopreferred.gov/
