CELYS™ vs Additive based 'Biodegradable' Polyester
A crisis is looming large upon us and is calling for our immediate attention! By the year 2025, an estimated 250 million metric tons of plastic is expected to end up in our seas. Environmentalists are busy ringing loud alarm bells. We need to think outside the box and start treading carefully to minimise our carbon footprint.
Every year, we produce about 400 million tonnes of plastic waste. Clearly, many changes need to be made to our lifestyles; choices must be re-examined and revisited. In keeping with this new wave of climate awareness, the demand for biodegradable polyester fabric has picked up. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the choices they are making. They expect businesses and the textile industry, in particular, to move towards sustainable practices.
This mounting pressure on the fashion industry to offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials has promoted innovative practices. In light of this demand, textile manufacturers are coming up with innovative and eco-friendly solutions without compromising the quality of the fabric.
Biodegradable polyester fibre is one such innovation that is helping the fashion industry move in the right direction. One such choice is CELYSTM compostable fibre, which is proving to be an outstanding example of innovation. However, there is another variation available: an additive-based ‘biodegradable’ polyester.
Read on to understand the difference between the two.
Biodegradable Polyester
This polyester is the answer to all our environmental woes: a fabric that degrades completely on exposure to the right conditions. It is designed in such a way that it will break down naturally into simpler substances, namely, carbon dioxide, water vapour, and biomass. Regular polyester, on the other hand, will take years, usually hundreds of them, to decompose. In the meantime, it accumulates in the environment in the form of pollution.
Biodegradable polyester offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional polyester. It can successfully reduce the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills, water bodies, and ecosystems. It is versatile enough to be used in many applications and is lately being taken up by many textile manufacturers.
Additive Based Biodegradable Polyester
Some polyesters have additives mixed into them, which facilitate the disintegration of the material. These additives, such as organic compounds, enzymes or specific microbial agents, are mixed into the polyester during the fibre-spinning process by using non-biodegradable polyester polymer, speeding up the breakdown of this fibre into smaller pieces under certain degrading conditions.
CELYS™ Compostable Polyester: Innovation and Sustainability
CELYS is making waves in the world of sustainable textiles. They are not just another label—they are leading the charge when it comes to eco-friendly fabrics.
The CELYSTM Compostable fibre is not just about looking good; it is about doing good, too. The production processes at INTIMITI are all about reducing energy consumption, conserving resources, and leaving behind a greener footprint. The end result is a novel polyester that is not just fully biodegradable but is also ideal for many applications in the fashion world.
CELYS™ vs. Additive Based "Biodegradable" Polyester
Let us compare CELYSTM with additive-based biodegradable polyester and see which one comes out on top!
- Firstly, the preparation of CELYSTM involves polymerisation with designed monomers. The manufacture of additive-based polyesters simply involves fibre spinning with biodegradable additives.
- CELYSTM is intrinsically biodegradable and degrades into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. It comes with easily breakable ester bonds. In contrast, additive-based "biodegradable" polyester is only partially biodegradable, with the polyester carrier still remaining not biodegradable!
- When it comes to the rate of biodegradability, CELYS™ Fibre undergoes fast biodegradation. The entire process is completed ( more than 90%) within 180 days. On the other hand, additive-based "biodegradable" polyester exhibits very slow biodegradation. Often, the process is still not complete within 180 days and fails to meet industry standards’ passing rates.
- Additionally, CELYS™ Fibre, with global certifications, boasts absolute compostability, making it suitable for advertising purposes as a truly eco-friendly option. In contrast, additive-based "biodegradable" polyester lacks this feature, and cannot make any biodegradable claims for commercial purposes..
When it comes to fibre performance, CELYS™ Fibre shines with natural moisture management, anti-pilling properties, low-temp dyeing capabilities, and a luxurious cottony soft touch. Conversely, additive-based "biodegradable" polyester offers no discernible difference compared to standard polyester.
It is clear that CELYS™ is leading from the front. Its innovative approach and its unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility are setting a new standard for eco-friendly fashion.
As for additive-based "biodegradable" polyester, it is a bit of a mixed bag. From the look of things, the concept is promising. But they are not as foolproof as they seem. It is worth mentioning that there are also some environmental concerns regarding the long-term impact they may have. The degree of biodegradability that can be attained by mixing in additives is also not certain. The type and concentration of the additives used and different environmental factors determine the speed and extent of degradation. Due to technical limitations, microplastics are considered as the major byproduct.
It serves as a reminder that when it comes to sustainability, we can not afford to cut corners.
Why Biodegradability Matters for the Environment
You might wonder why biodegradability is such a big deal when it comes to saving our planet. Read on as we break it down for you.
- When plastic, especially polyester, is biodegradable, it will decompose naturally over time. This will mean there is less buildup of waste and less pollution in the environment around us.
- Plastic pollution gets even more severe when we consider our marine life. Unknowingly, these marine animals ingest the plastic, taking it for food. Some get tangled up in it and eventually die.
- When we consider the “reduce, reuse, recycle” idea, biodegradable fabrics are just ideal for this purpose as they can be composted and made to re-enter the cycle.
Choosing biodegradable polyesters is a small but significant step toward a greener living. It means selecting materials that do not hang around, causing trouble for centuries. Instead, opting for something kinder to the planet is a choice that should come naturally to us.
Final Call
In the end, the choice is yours. Whether you opt for CELYS™ or explore other options, the most important thing is to stay informed and make choices that align with your values. After all, every little step towards sustainability counts.
The road we take will determine the fate of all the generations that have yet to come. Be the change you wish to see.
So, here's to a greener future—one where fashion is not just about looking good but doing good, too. Cheers to innovation, sustainability, and the power of choice!
