Research project yields bio-based polyethylene fibre
20/01/2026
Polyethylene is rarely used in textiles, but it has appeared on the market as a cooling fibre, notably at Chinese company LifeLabs.
The bioPE fibre in development is derived from Tecnaro’s bio-based polyethylene compounds that are dope-dyed. The ITA research institute contributed to the melt-spinning process and false-twist texturing, using equipment made by BB Engineering. German hosiery and base layer brand FALKE used the fibre to make a T-shirt. The partners intend to give it bio-based finish to improve its elasticity.
This first step in the development of the fibre has “promising characteristics”, such as a “pleasantly cool and soft touch”, but additional development, characterisation and optimisation steps are necessary to make a market introduction possible, the partners stated.
Photo courtesy of Falke and ITA shows the bioPE granules, yarns, REM imagery and the top made by Falke.
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