The textile industry is striving for sustainable materials that biodegrade that don't rely upon extracting raw materials. Petroleum-derived polyester fabrics now dominate the clothing industry, with annual production exceeding 52 million metric tonnes worldwide. Polyester is very detrimental to the environment despite its popularity, negatively impacting the planet throughout its lifespan, from its extractive beginnings to polluting waterways with microplastics every wash to end of life, taking up to 200 years to biodegrade. A high proportion of polyester ends up in landfills or incinerated, leaching chemicals into the soil and air and contaminating waterways. Manufacturing polyester fabrics also poses substantial environmental concerns, consuming vast amounts of water and energy, emitting harmful greenhouse gasses and contributing to climate change. 

PYRATES, an R&D company and textile supplier, manufactures PYRATEX, a portfolio of luxury knitted fabrics made from organic, upcycled, or biodegradable fibres that consume less water and energy or CO2 during the production process. For the PYRATEX Bio collection, PYRATES has utilised post-industrial biological waste streams from the animal feed industry without causing any shortcomings. PYRATEX Bio fibres are made with polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based material derived from renewable resources such as sugar cane or corn starch. The fibre is formed by the polymerisation of lactide, which is extracted from corn, cassava, sugar cane or beets which adhere to the following certifications:

​• It is harvested in a naturally grown agriculture, certified by ISCC PLUS (The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification)

​• There are no genetically modified materials involved, certified by the European Institute Eurofins Genescan.

The fibres are 100% biodegradable and emit 70% lower carbon emissions during the manufacturing process compared to conventional polyester.  To fully manage a traceable supply chain, the manufacturing of all PYRATEX fabrics is in Europe.

According to PYRATES, the PLA used in their fabrics emits around 80% fewer greenhouse gasses than the manufacturing of traditional polymers;

'our PLA produces 0.62 kg CO2/ kg polymer, whereas PVC produces 2.42 kg CO2/ kg polymer.'

The production of their PLA also uses 52% less non-renewable energy than conventional polymers;

'our PLA uses 40.05 MJ/ kg polymer, whereas PVC uses 58.97 MJ/ kg polymer.'