A novel, biodegradable, and easily recyclable textile fiber from corn

Today, less than 1% of global textile fibers are recycled into new textile products, enforcing dependency on virgin raw materials, and contributing to the progressive depletion of natural resources. To address this problem, numerous projects have started with the aim of developing new, biodegradable and recyclable fibers. This is the example of NOOSA®, a PLA (Polylactic Acid) fiber derived from bio-renewable materials, that offers among others, a solution in the context of circular materials for the textile industry.

Obtained from GMO free corn crops, NOOSA® fiber is 100% biobased and 100% recyclable thanks to a patented technology called NOOCYCLE®, based on a chemical recycling process.This method, specifically born and developed in Belgium for this PLA fiber, involves several steps that allow the complete recyclability of the fiber, including cases where surface treatments are applied, e.g. with the use of additives, pigments, coatings, or in case of material blends.

Currently, NOOSA® comes in three variations: staple fiber, spun yarn, and filament yarn. These innovative materials find applications in apparel, activewear and underwear – thanks to its breathability, quick drying and odor retention properties – home, upholstery and bedding – thanks to its bacteriostatic and hypoallergenic properties, as well as workwear  – due to its UV stability and low flammability properties.

Besides the sourcing of raw materials essential for the fiber, the company is also actively committed towards sustainable manufacturing approaches, adopting a conscious production process aimed at reducing the overall ecological impact. In support of this commitment, the company has carried out an LCA analysis that shows significantly better environmental performances of NOOSA® fibers compared to traditional ones such as conventional cotton.

The start-up makes fibers and yarns available to brands in the textile industry, for the making of finished products that, once they’ve reached the end of their life cycle, can be recovered through a dedicated collection system and reintroduced into the production process. This approach allows the production cycle to be a closed loop, promoting a circular economy model.

Firstly introduced in the 2000s, PLA fibers have gained attention for their unique properties. Interestingly now, this new recycling and scalable technology represents an exciting development in the world of sustainable textiles. They now represent a viable alternative in the textile sector due to their sustainable, biodegradable nature and excellent performance characteristics, meeting the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products.

Unlike synthetic fibers, which are derived from petroleum and contribute to environmental pollution, PLA fibers offer a more sustainable option, and might become a really competitive choice in the market, supporting designers that contribute to a more eco-friendly future while still delivering high-quality products.