CiCLO technology, a patented additive designed to accelerate the biodegradation of synthetic fibers, is expanding into new home textile products and gaining visibility at New York Climate Week, according to Intrinsic Advanced Materials, the joint venture that commercializes the ingredient.
German fiber supplier ADVANSA said it is launching Suprelle fiberfill made with CiCLO fibers for bedding, home and hospitality applications, adding the biodegradation-focused ingredient to a fiberfill portfolio already built around cooling, loft, moisture management and recycled-fiber options. The move lets brands and retailers select comfort and performance attributes for pillows, comforters and similar products while incorporating CiCLO fibers, the companies said.
“Adding CiCLO technology gives them another way to differentiate Suprelle products without changing the core benefits of the fiberfill,” said Jean-Christophe Rouyer of ADVANSA.
Separately, Intrinsic Advanced Materials is collaborating with Swiss materials innovator HeiQ to pair CiCLO fibers with functional finishes spanning cooling, allergen reduction, odor control and moisture management, extending potential applications across bed linens, mattress protectors, mattress toppers, mattress ticking and apparel.
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“Combining HeiQ technologies with CiCLO fibers gives developers more flexibility to create products around the performance benefits their customers value,” said Mike Abbott, HeiQ USA’s executive vice president of advanced materials and general manager.
The commercial expansion coincides with NYC Climate Week, where Intrinsic Advanced Materials is partnering with ocean conservation group Lonely Whale on its Fashion the Future activation at PlanetHAUS on Sept. 21-22. CiCLO will be featured in an educational exhibit tracing textiles through upstream, production and downstream stages, with the technology positioned at the production stage as an example of intervening before synthetic fibers shed into the environment as microplastic pollution.
“CiCLO sets a new industry paradigm,” said Cheryl Smyre, vice president of Parkdale Advanced Materials, one of the venture’s parent companies. She said the ADVANSA and HeiQ tie-ups combine functional chemistry with fiber performance, while the Lonely Whale partnership raises awareness of microplastic fiber pollution.
CiCLO fibers are integrated into polyester and nylon during manufacturing and are independently tested by third-party laboratories using ASTM and ISO methods, according to Intrinsic Advanced Materials. The technology is already used by brands including Target, Walmart, Costco, Best Western Hotels and Billabong, the company said.
Synthetic fiber shedding is considered one of the most widespread sources of microplastic pollution, as washing and wear release polyester and nylon fragments that persist in waterways and landfills. Intrinsic Advanced Materials, a venture between Intrinsic Textiles Group and Parkdale Advanced Materials, has positioned CiCLO as a manufacturing-stage intervention rather than a downstream cleanup fix.