37.5® Technology Combines Performance & Sustainability with its Enhanced Biodegradation Offering

The amount of waste from discarded textiles is the highest it’s ever been. In the U.S., textiles make up 8% of all landfill waste. While recycling is the best option for discarded textiles, unfortunately it’s not always a realistic one. For this reason, Cocona Labs, the “science-first” minds behind 37.5® thermoregulating technology, recently announced a new sustainability offering aimed at addressing the mounting pollution problems created by textile waste.

“Although not a final solution, addressing the issues caused by the staggering amount of textile waste ending up in landfills is a vital step toward a sustainable industry”, said Scott Whipps, EVP of Sales, Global Apparel, at Cocona Labs. “This is why all 37.5 staple fibers and filament yarns are now available with an additive that allows them to biodegrade at enhanced rates once placed in landfill conditions.”

The decision to incorporate this additive technology comes after more than three years of research, commercialization trials and biodegradation testing by an external lab. Third party laboratory testing under ASTM D-5511 in an accelerated landfill environment showed almost complete breakdown of 37.5 polyester fiber to natural materials in two years.  In an actual landfill, this means the fibers will break down over decades, not centuries like traditional synthetics.  Notably, unlike other products on the market, this additive does not merely fracture the fibers into smaller microplastic pieces, but rather converts the 37.5 fibers into naturally occurring byproducts at the molecular level without affecting comfort and performance benefits.

“37.5 Technology is the only thermoregulating technology to combine natural active particles plus enhanced biodegradation and recycled yarn options. So, brands no longer need to choose between sustainability and performance – particularly when Enhanced Biodegradation is available in 37.5 yarns at no additional cost,” said Whipps.

To learn more about this innovative offering, contact 37.5 Technology at info@cocona.com or visit their booth at Functional Fabric Fair Portland, Booth #421.