Earth Day is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect the planet, and at GOEX Apparel, we’re committed to making a difference through the fabrics we choose.  In January 2024  we started talking about a big step forward in our commitment to care for the planet – Ciclo polyester.  One of the most exciting innovations in sustainable textiles, CiCLO® biodegradable polyester is a breakthrough that addresses the environmental challenges posed by traditional synthetic fibers.   All of our eco-triblend and fleece fabrics now contain CiCLO® polyester! 

 Why Synthetic Fibers Are a Problem 

• Microplastic Pollution: About 35% of microplastics entering the ocean come from synthetic materials, primarily polyester and nylon. 

• Landfill Waste: Every day, 44 million pounds of synthetic textiles are sent to U.S. landfills, where conventional polyester can persist for centuries. 

• Global Impact: With synthetic fibers making up 60% of global textile production, the scale of potential pollution is massive. 

 How CiCLO® Biodegradable Polyester Works 

CiCLO® technology is a patented additive blended into polyester and nylon during manufacturing. This creates countless biodegradable spots in the fiber, allowing naturally occurring microorganisms to break down the material when it enters environments like landfills, seawater, soil, or wastewater treatment plants. Unlike traditional synthetics, which can last for hundreds of years, CiCLO®-enabled fibers biodegrade much faster—often within a few years under the right conditions.  In independent lab testing,  CiCLO® fibers biodegraded at the same rate as cotton!  (So don’t worry, your tee won’t dissolve in your washing machine!) 

 Key Environmental Benefits of CiCLO® 

• Accelerated Biodegradation: Third-party laboratory studies using internationally recognized ASTM test methods show that CiCLO® polyester biodegrades at greatly accelerated rates compared to conventional polyester in anaerobic landfill conditions, seawater, and wastewater sludge. 

• Reduces Microfiber Persistence: When fabrics made with CiCLO® shed microfibers, those fibers behave more like natural materials (such as cotton or wool) and do not persist in the environment indefinitely. 

• Non-Toxic and Safe: CiCLO® fibers are non-toxic to marine life and are certified safe by ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®. 

• Maintains Performance: Fabrics with CiCLO® maintain the same durability, functionality, and recyclability as regular polyester, ensuring no compromise on quality or longevity. 

• Supports Circularity: CiCLO® can be used with both virgin and recycled polyester, helping to close the loop and reduce reliance on virgin resources. 

Why Choose CiCLO® for Earth Day and Beyond 

By choosing eco-friendly fabrics made with CiCLO® biodegradable polyester, you’re helping to: 

• Reduce the long-term environmental impact of synthetic textiles. 

• Prevent microplastic pollution in oceans and waterways. 

• Support a more circular, sustainable apparel industry. 

At GOEX Apparel, we believe that every choice matters.  This Earth Day, let’s celebrate progress and keep pushing for a cleaner, greener future—one innovative fabric at a time! 

Learn more about all of our sustainable fabrics on our site!