n/a

Down

Microbe-derived

2008

United States

5

Founder(s): 

Ivan (Hui) Wang

http://ecosupremeus.com/

About the Company

Based in China and New York, Eco Supreme produces home goods and apparel made of polylactic acids fibers derived from renewable plant inputs (e.g., corn and cassava). Their biodegradable products include bedding and other home goods, apparel, and baby products. MII evaluated their fibers as an alternative down filling.

Polylactic acid fibers and fabric. A down alternative when used as filling.

Technology

Producing polylactic acid (PLA) fibers starts with the fermentation of sugars from plants such as corn, sugar cane, sugar beet, or cassava to produce lactic acid. Lactic acid is transformed and linked to form chains of PLA polymers. These PLA polymers are formed into pellets and further processed into fibers for use in fabrics or other materials. PLA polymers have properties similar to polypropylene, polyethylene, and other synthetic fibers, but are made without petroleum. In addition, PLA polymers can be made into fibers and fabrics on existing machinery. A decade of research and development led to EcoSupreme’s optimized process for producing PLA polymers, which lowers costs and reduces lead times.

Fibers used as a down alternative in quilts, pillows, and other bedding products.

Selected Brand Partnerships

None currently known.

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