Radici’s bio yarn offers ‘true example of circularity’
Italian chemicals and materials grop Radici has launched Biofeel Eleven, a yarn made from castor oil, working in partnership with chemicals group Arkeema.
Around 80% of the world's castor-oil plantations are in India, particularly in the Gujarat region, due to its favourable climatic conditions. Local people can earn an additional income by cultivating semi-arid land that does not compete with food production.
The castor beans contain around 45% oil, rich in ricinolein, from which the bio-polymer polyamide 11 is derived.
What remains after the first pressing is a bio-fertiliser that is returned to the soil in what Radici describes as “a true example of circularity and zero waste”.
Marco De Silvestri, head of sales in Radicic’s Advanced Textile Solutions department, said: "Biofeel Eleven has special properties such as low water absorption, increased lightness and improved strength properties.
“This means being able to produce fabrics that are both durable and comfortable to the touch and skin.
"We have always stressed the importance of working as a team with all supply chain players and we are delighted that Arkema has chosen RadiciGroup as its exclusive European trusted partner to spin this valuable material.”
Biofeel Eleven can also be solution dyed - dyed at the yarn stage - saving water and energy and providing colour stability.
Photo by CDC on Unsplash
