99O™: This is how textiles become biodegradable and sustainable

12,000 kilotons of clothing are thrown away worldwide every year. This is an enormous burden on the environment - the complete biodegradation of this huge amount takes at least 450 years. The Chinese company Sunfeng has now developed a generation of more easily biodegradable polyester fabrics. The name of the sustainable material that is perfectly suited for the circular economy: 99O™.

The name says it all: The 99 stands for 99 percent of clothing that is thrown away after three life cycles. The O for complete and significantly faster biodegradability than conventional materials. "Go back to earth, go down to zero." is the slogan with which the new development is being marketed.

Usually, the chemical structure of synthetic fibers complicates bacterial penetration, which makes the breakdown process more complicated and slower. However, 99O™ contains organic additives. The enhanced polyester fabric makes it easier - under landfill conditions - to access and compost the textiles by bacteria, thus accelerating the biological degradation process.

In this way, the discarded clothing can be converted more quickly into biomass and biogas, which become new resources for the environment. According to ASTM D5511 laboratory biodegradation tests, Sunfeng's new polyester material biodegrades 40 times faster than plastics in general. This can significantly reduce the environmental impact and the amount of waste for future generations. And one of the most important challenges for the textile industry and the sports and outdoor industry can be solved: The creation of a sustainable production system with a closed cycle.

The good thing about it: These properties of 99O™ only occur when the clothing is broken down by bacteria without the supply of oxygen. In normal use, the revolutionary polyester fabric has exactly the same quality as conventional materials. 99O™ does not attract bacteria or odors. And the service life corresponds to that of normal yarns.

Another advantage: 99O™ is certified as free of toxic substances by an independent control system. It does not contain substances that could harm the health of adults, children and babies. In addition, the polyester fabric
Can be combined with biodegradable TPU or PU membranes, Sunfeng DRIO™ Bio DWR finish or the Sunfengand ECLO ™ Eco dye solution

Here you find more information: 
99O™: https://www.sunfengtex.com/en/list-2-24.html
DRIO™: https://www.sunfengtex.com/en/list-6-46.html
ECLO™: https://www.sunfengtex.com/en/list-6-5.html

At 99O™, scientific progress is combined with environmental awareness. The new fabric is ideal for use in sports and outdoor textiles and offers comfortable protection under various conditions and during all activities. At the same time, the life cycle of our clothing, from production to composting, is becoming more sustainable.