Parkdale Mills is taking full ownership of Ciclo, with plans to push the technology beyond apparel and into more markets that depend on synthetic fibers.

The Gastonia, N.C.-based manufacturer announced Oct. 1 that its Parkdale Advanced Materials subsidiary acquired full ownership of the patented textile ingredient, designed to help polyester and nylon biodegrade in biologically active environments. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal builds on an eight-year relationship. In September 2018, Parkdale Advanced Materials and Intrinsic Textiles Group formed Intrinsic Advanced Materials, a joint venture to bring Ciclo to market, according to Parkdale’s announcement. The acquisition puts the technology under Parkdale’s ownership as the company seeks applications in industrial and hygiene nonwovens, geotextiles, filtration, insulation and furnishings.

“We are committed to investing in technologies that create value for our customers and address meaningful challenges for our industry and the environment,” said Davis Warlick, Parkdale’s chief operating officer. “We believe Ciclo fibers have the potential to address microplastic fiber persistence at meaningful scale. Our focus now is to continue investing in the technology, develop new applications with our customers, open new markets and broaden adoption so it can deliver greater impact.”

Ciclo is incorporated into polyester and nylon during fiber manufacturing. According to the company, the ingredient creates pathways that allow naturally occurring microorganisms to break down the polymer in environments with the conditions needed for biodegradation. Its focus is the persistence of fibers after they enter the environment.

Parkdale said the technology can be used with virgin, recycled, biobased and textile-to-textile feedstocks, as well as natural-fiber blends. It is designed to preserve manufacturing efficiency, dyeability, durability and recyclability, the company said.

Parkdale said Ciclo has been tested using ASTM and ISO methods in seawater, soil, wastewater sludge and biologically active landfill conditions. In one soil test, treated polyester fibers reached 91.1 percent biodegradation after 1,170 days, according to results published on Ciclo’s website. Untreated polyester showed no biodegradation during the same period.

That study used fertile soil with active microorganisms under laboratory conditions. Ciclo notes on its website that breakdown rates vary in natural settings, where conditions differ from those used in testing.

Parkdale plans to use its yarn manufacturing infrastructure, technical expertise and research and development capabilities to support the technology’s expansion. Ciclo already serves apparel, home and hospitality markets through a global network of certified fiber, yarn and fabric manufacturers. Parkdale said products incorporating the technology are available from brands and retailers including Target, Walmart, Costco, Black Diamond, Stella McCartney and Hanes.

“Our opportunity now is to take Ciclo technology further,” said Cheryl Smyre, vice president of Parkdale Advanced Materials. “That means expanding adoption among the brands and supply chain partners already using the technology while advancing next-generation applications for markets where synthetic fibers are essential. Microplastic pollution is agnostic to the source. To drive meaningful, lasting change, we must extend the reach of Ciclo polymers beyond traditional textile applications and accelerate innovation across industries.”

The acquisition follows a recent expansion in home textiles. In a Sept. 10 announcement, Intrinsic Advanced Materials said Advansa was introducing Suprelle fiberfill made with Ciclo fibers for bedding, home and hospitality applications. A separate collaboration with HeiQ Materials aims to pair Ciclo fibers with functional technologies for cooling, moisture management, freshness and allergen reduction.

Founded in 1916, Parkdale operates textile, advanced materials and cotton-based health and beauty businesses. Its yarn manufacturing network spans the United States, Mexico, Central America and South America.