INNOVATOR PROFILE
PrimaLoft® Bio™
COMPANY INFORMATION
COMPANY HISTORY
The PrimaLoft company is a world leader in research and development of high performance insulations and fabrics used in fashion, home furnishings, and high performance outerwear. PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the U.S. army as a water-resistant down alternative and the company has continued to innovate in this space. In 2018, the company introduced PrimaLoft® Bio™ as the first biodegradable, 100% recycled synthetic insulation and fabric.
MATERIAL
Down alternative
PrimaLoft® Bio™ is the first-ever biodegradable, 100% recycled synthetic insulation and fabric. According to company information, PrimaLoft achieved this breakthrough without affecting the performance characteristics of the insulation.
TECHNOLOGY
Production process: Mechanical/Chemical
PrimaLoft uses post-consumer recycled material to create high-performance insulation and fabric. Plastic bottles are diverted from landfills, the bottles are cleaned and shredded into chips, and the chips are transformed into PrimaLoft® fibers via their proprietary technology.
SUSTAINABILITY
PrimaLoft® Bio fibers are engineered to be more attractive to microbes found in landfills. Microbes consume these fibers at a faster rate than standard polyester fibers. The biodegradation processes leaves behind water, methane, carbon dioxide and biomass. The amount of methane and carbon dioxide produced by this process needs to be assessed.
The company notes that in accelerated test conditions, PrimaLoft® Bio™ fibers reach near complete biodegradation in under two years, while standard polyester remains almost completely intact. Independent testing has reportedly shown that the remains from the degradation process contains no plastic and are perfectly suitable for plant growth.
SENSORY/TACTILE
PrimaLoft fibers are known for performing similarly to down in terms of warmth and comfort. They are lightweight, breathable, and packable.
CURRENT APPLICATIONS
Insulation for high performance outerwear, footwear, bedding and other accessories. PrimaLoft fibers are found in many top brands, including Adidas, Nike, The North Face, and Patagonia.