Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel is launching the first fully biodegradable padding made from sustainably produced cellulose fiber that completely degrades in soil within just under 60 days. At the same time, it meets all requirements for high-performance thermal insulation for sports and outdoor clothing. comfortemp® Lyocell padding is the result of a cooperative venture with the fiber manufacturer Lenzing.

The innovative thermal insulation will be launched onto the market in January 2020 and will be presented for the first time at ISPO from January 26th to 29th the degradation of polyester, which is contained in 60 percent of all garments, takes an average of 500 years.

In addition to reduced consumption, more recycling and increasing the quality of garments to ensure that they can be worn for longer, innovative ecological solutions are urgently needed for the end of the garment life cycle. Freudenberg is a pioneer in this field and is now launching comfortemp® Lyocell padding, the world’s first 100% biodegradable padding. It is completely biodegradable within 60 days without polluting the soil.

Environmentally friendly production process

The padding is based on Lyocell, which is manufactured by fiber producer Lenzing. Lyocell is a cellulose produced from natural raw materials in an environmentally friendly production process using eucalyptus wood from sustainable forests. The solvent used to obtain the fibers is almost completely reused in the production cycle, which is a clear advantage over other cellulose fibers such as viscose. The EU has presented the process with the European Award for the Environment.

Warm, soft, light

The fine fibers created from the natural raw material and their innovative processing enable comfortemp® Lyocell padding to be as light as a feather and as efficient as synthetic paddings. The thermal insulation provides warmth and is both soft and highly breathable. Thanks to its excellent moisture management, the padding absorbs body moisture up to 45 percent and thus minimizes perspiration. The thermal insulation is also water-repellent, dries quickly, is antistatic and conforms to the OEKO-TEX 100 standard. Consequently, comfortemp® Lyocell padding meets the high demands placed on clothing for sports and outdoor use.