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. 

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