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Freudenberg makes biological degradable interlinings

26 Feb '15

2 min read

Freudenberg Interlining has become the first company in Germany to gain certification for the biological degradability of a textile product.

“Freudenberg is marketing the first ever polyester lining to be made from 100 per cent biodegradable fibres,” a press release from Hohenstein informs.

The Hohenstein Institute in Bönnigheim has developed a method that can be used to determine or confirm the biological degradability of textiles.

A product is endorsed after a sample has decomposed and its ecotoxicological safety has been confirmed.

"Manufacturers should not only know about the manufacturing process, but also need to know which components of the product remain in the environment after it has reached the end of its useful life,” Dr. Dirk Höfer said.

The test system assesses the degradation of organic substances by microorganisms, water and oxygen in realistic conditions in the soil and it is based on standardised soil burial tests according to global norms.

The test procedure for certification is suitable for many textile products and components, including fibres and yarns, clothing, soft furnishings, geo or functional textiles and nonwovens.

“Any manufacturers who are interested can have the environmental safety of their products independently assessed, as was done by Freudenberg Interlining,” Hohenstein informs.

Freudenberg developed a nonwoven textile made of special polyester fibres which can be used as a lining to strengthen items of clothing or parts of garments.

The PES nonwoven that has been certified as biodegradable is best used with light outer materials, for example for ladies' clothing, and is an entirely new product on the market.

"The ultimate goal of the investigation is not primarily to verify the presence of specific substances but instead we are looking at the overall effect of the products of biodegradation on biological systems," Dr Hofer adds.

Scientists at the Hohenstein Institute are also carrying out research into the microorganisms and ambient conditions which promote the fastest possible decomposition of different textile types. (AR)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India