As a global textile manufacturer, Carrington Textiles is constantly looking for new technology that will make its operations more sustainable.

Aiming to tackle microplastic pollution, it has now incorporated CiCLO technology into its sustainable Balance range of products.

CiCLO is a sustainable additive which enables polyester and other synthetic materials to biodegrade like natural materials do in wastewater treatment plant sludge, sea water and landfill conditions, reducing synthetic microfibre pollution generated during washing and minimising plastic accumulation in landfills caused by discarded textiles.

It is Eco Passport certified by Oeko-Tex and non-toxic to marine life and permanently embedded in the fibre so it will never wash out. It is only activated where conditions for biodegradation exist.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, annual estimates of plastic microfibre pollution from textiles entering the oceans is equivalent in weight to over 50 billion plastic bottles. Microfibres have been found in a range of aquatic ecosystems, from shorelines to the seafloor. They shed from textiles like clothing, rugs, upholstery and other fabrics during manufacturing use and care.

Almost all fabrics shed whether they are made from natural materials like cotton or wool, or synthetics like polyester or nylon. Most natural fibres will eventually biodegrade in nature when exposed to microbes and moisture over time. Polyester and nylon, however, are not readily biodegradable and therefore exist as pollutants. Further research is needed to understand how microfibres enter the environment and where they come from, but many studies suggest that washing clothes is one major source.

Carrington Textiles is the first textile manufacturer to use CiClo technology in the production of workwear fabrics for its award-winning Hawksbill and Orca fabrics from the Balance range.

www.carrington.co.uk

ciclotextiles.com