Activewear giant Hanes brands has introduced a new variant for its Champion Athletic wear brand using Ciclo technology, which allows synthetic textiles to behave more like natural fibres when they enter the environment. Ciclo was developed by Silicon Valley startup Intrinsic Advanced Materials and leading US yarn and fibre manufacturer Parkdale Advance Materials.
It is used to create biodegradable ‘spots’ in the polymer matrix, where naturally-occurring microbes in certain environments can break down the plastics just as they do with natural fibres.
Incorporated into its new collection, Eco Future Reverse Weave, Hanesbrands notes that 60% of today’s textiles are made with plastic-based synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which remain indefinitely in the environment because they are not inherently biodegradable.
Using Ciclo technology, the Eco Future Reverse Weave collection claims to reduce plastic textile fibres in the environment by giving polyester an eventual expiration date.
The collection also features dyes with ingredients derived from natural sources, including pomegranate, annatto fruit and terminalia chebula fruit.
“As we continue to innovate and evolve, Champion is dedicated to creating solutions through products that will ensure a better tomorrow for our planet and the people living on it,” said Vanessa LeFebvre, president of Global Activewear at Champion. “Through our partnership with Ciclo, we aim to be a catalyst for positive change in the fashion industry, driving conscious choices, responsible actions and continuous improvements, while providing every Champion a canvas to live their true purpose.
