Textile solutions manufacturer Schoeller has recently unveiled its new PROEARTH collection of biodegradable textiles.
The new collection comprises bluesign-approved fabrics with biodegradable polyester and is part of a joint venture between Schoeller and the Taiwanese company Formosa Taffeta.
The SFTC PROEARTH collection launches with five, bluesign-approved fabrics designed for lifestyle, fashion and outdoor categories. Made with virgin polyester that has been optimised for biodegradation and has tested to biodegrade at faster and better rates than competitive offerings, the initial PROEARTH articles available this autumn include jacket, pant and lining material qualities with various colour options.
“Our SFTC PROEARTH collection was a natural progression in Schoeller’s visionary advances around sustainability, while we are also striving to make a difference in an industry that continues to be so demanding on our environment,” says Christine Hübner, Schoeller CRO.
“After much testing and development, we are truly excited to introduce this collection that is not only friendly to our planet but also offers high-quality, luxurious products that consumers of all sorts will love to wear.”
Schoeller has been conducting biodegradation testing for approximately two years now and the testing is still ongoing, the company says. In its most recent tests (June 2019), the results showed a biodegradation rate of 25% after nine months.
“We see biodegradability as an important added value to the market and we expect further results in the near future,” adds Hübner.
“It is an exciting and fascinating topic with so much potential for continued developments in the future.”
Additionally, each of the PROEARTH fabrics can be enhanced with Schoeller’s eco-friendly production and finishing technology options offered to customers. Its ecodye technology saves up to 30% of the water, energy and process time used for dying polyester, while its ecorepel Bio and 3XDRY Bio technologies are PFC-free and based on renewable primary products, providing reliable water and aqueous dirt repellence.
Schoeller’s ecological portfolio also includes, among other things, upcycled products with Econyl yarn and recyclable wear2wear woven and knitted fabrics.
