Fiber Innovations: From Production to Application > Biopolymer & Natural Fibers

Threading CO2

Saal C
Donnerstag, 11.09.2025, 17:00 - 17:20 Uhr

Fairbrics' mission is to address climate change by transforming CO₂ emissions into valuable resources. Through groundbreaking chemistry built on carbon dioxide, water, and renewable energy, we create sustainable materials that empower industries to thrive while protecting our planet. Our commitment is to drive a circular economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and deliver innovative solutions that generate lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits for a better future.

Sprecher
Benoit Illy (Fairbrics SAS)
Co-Authoren
Tawfiq Nasr Allah (fairbrics), Tetiana Krachko (Fairbrics), Margaux Vaz (Fairbrics)
Instead of relying on petroleum products that emit CO2, Fairbrics employs technology to convert inexpensive and harmful industrial CO2 into polyester yarns. This innovation is aimed at fashion brands seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. The textile industry significantly contributes to climate change, accounting for 4% of global CO2 emissions each year—more than the entire aviation industry. If we do not take action soon, the sector could consume a quarter of our carbon budget needed to limit global warming to below 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. A major contributor to these emissions is the production of raw materials, particularly polyester, which is responsible for 40% of the emissions in the textile sector. Polyester is favored in clothing for its affordability, availability, durability, and comfort. It dominated the market with a share of 60% in 2019, and is projected to grow by 95% in the future. However, polyester is not a sustainable material; it is a plastic derived from fossil fuels. Our first product is a technology that transforms harmful industrial CO2 into polyester yarns for fashion brands committed to reducing their carbon footprint. This yarn possesses the same properties as conventional polyester but contains 30% CO2 and has a carbon footprint reduced by a factor of three. The technology, which is patent-pending, functions as a drop-in replacement based on a breakthrough catalytic chemical process. It utilizes standard chemical equipment, ensuring ease of scaling. Importantly, this process has the potential to be carbon negative. Our unique process involves only three steps, boasts high selectivity, and minimizes the need for energy-intensive purification. It requires only electricity and operates at mild temperatures, allowing it to be powered by low-carbon electricity. The resulting product is a direct replacement for traditional polyester, using readily available chemical equipment for scalability. We have already secured three customers for expansion: Aigle for luxurious applications, On-running for sports-related purposes, and H&M for ready-to-wear products. Additionally, we are working on developing our technology for new industries, including automotive and packaging, and have established partnerships with Forvia and CITEO in these areas.