Bio-Based Synthetics

Bio-based synthetics are a new generation of fibers derived from renewable plant sources like corn, sugarcane, and castor beans. Recently more bio-synthetics are coming from Agri-waste. 

They offer a promising alternative to fossil-fuel-based synthetics, but the true measure of their sustainability lies in their end-of-life circularity.

The term "bio-based" does not automatically mean "biodegradable." Many bio-synthetics, like Bio-PET and Bio-PA, are chemically identical to traditional plastics and will not break down at the end of their life. This makes them a non-circular input that contributes to landfill waste and microplastic pollution. We avoid these.

PLA is a bio-based synthetic that is biodegradable, but only under specific, high-heat conditions in an industrial composting facility. We believe this is a better option, but its viability depends on the availability of that infrastructure.

The most genuinely circular bio-based synthetic is PHA, which is biodegradable in a wide range of natural environments. We believe this material represents a truly sustainable path forward.