The world's largest manufacturer of industrial thread, Coats Group plc, has introduced its newest environmentally friendly product, Eco-B powered by CiCLO® technology, which represents a significant step in reducing microfibre plastic pollution.

Eco-B is a recycled polyester thread that has a CiCLO® ingredient to lessen the buildup of synthetic fiber in landfills and the ocean. The technology creates biodegradable ‘spots’ in the polymer matrix, allowing naturally existing bacteria in specific settings to degrade the polymers in the same way that they degrade natural fibers.

The introduction of Eco-B is a step in Coats' plan for creating sustainable, cutting-edge products that support the company's push for a circular economy. The journey began with Coats EcoVerde in 2018 and has continued with Coats EcoRegen, a 100% lyocell thread that more closely matches the material of the garments, and Coats EcoCycle, one of the first water-disposable threads of its kind. Coats EcoVerde is now one of the most comprehensive ranges of 100% recycled polyester threads, zips, and trims on the market.

Coats has created three different Eco-B variants under the brand names Epic Eco-B, Gramax Eco-B, and Sylko Eco-B.

Sonya Manolova, Product Director, Apparel and Footwear, Coats, said that Eco B is a recycled thread that has all the toughness of virgin fabrics, but doesn't stick around to damage their seas and increase garbage. By allowing synthetic plastic fibers to act more like natural fibers, this method moves them one step closer to eliminating the issue of plastic pollution.

Eco-B makes no concessions to durability; fatigue tests show that properties including toughness, elongation, and abrasion resistance are on par with those of virgin materials and guarantee improved performance.