By now, you’ve probably read the headlines about the microplastics epidemic: bloodwork and other tests have shown that microplastics are prevalent in mostly everyone. In what can seem like an endless battle against microplastics, there is one way to make a difference: choosing biodegradable fibers, such as BMT Fibers CICLO® Bio-D Polyester Staple Fibers.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that come from wide use of plastics over the past half-century. Over that time, many glass products and products from other materials were converted into plastics for a variety of reasons including costs, applications, durability, and more. Microplastics are defined as pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters long. Then there’s nanoplastics, which are measured as less than 1 micrometer.

Microplastics are accumulating in human bodies and in the environment that we live in.  They are found in the global water supply, and in far-reaching places, including the summit of Mount Everest. They are everywhere, and are an unavoidable fact of modern life, but there are ways to fight back against microplastics and choose a more sustainable future.

How sustainable fibers can help battle against microplastics in the environment.

Although microplastics in our bodies cannot easily be remedied, we can certainly take steps to reduce the accumulation of new microplastics (and nanoplastics) by choosing more sustainable products in our day-to-day lives.

One area where this is the case is in choosing sustainable or natural fibers over synthetic fibers. In a recent New York Times article, experts note the importance of taking some basic steps to avoid accumulating additional microplastics exposure by choosing the right types of clothing that are made from the right fibers. For example, experts note that washing clothes made from synthetic fibers, such as acrylic or nylon, before the first wear will help reduce microplastics generated during the clothing manufacturing process. Choosing clothes made of cotton or wool, which are natural fibers, eliminates microplastics entirely.  But when the advanced performance properties of polyester fabrics and fiberfill are required, CiCLO® Bio-D fibers are the solution.

At BMT Fibers, we are proud to offer CiCLO® Bio-D polyester staple fibers worldwide. Polyester staple fibers made with CiCLO® technology are proven to biodegrade at greatly accelerated rates compared to regular polyester as measured in wastewater sludge, soil, anaerobic landfill conditions, and even sea water. CiCLO® Bio-D polyester staple fibers are extensively studied and tested using internationally recognized ASTM and ISO Test Methods. CICLO® Bio-D polyester fibers are every bit as durable and functional as regular polyester staple fibers, but without the environmental challenges that come with traditional polyester.

You can be part of the solution to the global microplastics problem: choose the sustainable fibers of tomorrow, today.

Although the battle against microplastics can feel endless and without a cure, you can be part of the solution starting today. When you speak to BMT Fibers about CiCLO® Bio-D polyester staple fibers, you are exploring a sustainable alternative that can reduce the microplastic footprint from your fiber manufacturing process and your finished products. This is true whether you are producing clothing, furniture, pillows, linens, pet beds, nonwovens fabrics or other products.

Additionally, you’ll enjoy the same quality, durability and performance as traditional polyester fibers. After all, CICLO®’s slogan is “Made to last, not here forever” and that is as true as ever in the world of microplastics.

Join us on our journey to solve the global microplastics problem.  Check in with one of our fiber experts at www.bmtfibers.com, and we will show you the way.