UNIFI®, Makers of REPREVE®, Launches REPREVE with CiCLO® Technology, Globally Available Biodegradable Recycled Polyester and Nylon

April 14, 2025 at 09:00 AM EDT

New offering debuts at the Functional Fabric Fair, April 14-16, 2025

UNIFI, Inc. (NYSE: UFI), the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, today launches REPREVE with CiCLO® technology, recycled polyester and nylon embedded with a biodegradable technology that enables synthetics to break down naturally. REPREVE with CiCLO technology was created in collaboration with Intrinsic Advanced Materials, LLC, a joint venture between Parkdale Advanced Materials, Inc. and Intrinsic Textiles Group, LLC.

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REPREVE with CiCLO technology is enhanced with a patented additive at the fiber level that allows synthetic yarns to more closely mimic natural materials such as wool. This will enable them to break down in environments such as soil and seawater without compromising performance, durability, and dyeability. These new offerings are designed to help tackle the environmental impact of microplastic fiber pollution from synthetic textile shedding.

“We can always do more to lessen our environmental impact throughout the product life cycle,” said Eddie Ingle, Chief Executive Officer of UNIFI®, Inc. “Our collaboration with Intrinsic Advanced Materials addresses the worldwide issue of synthetic microfiber shedding by providing a globally available solution that mills, brands, and retailers can now integrate to reduce microplastic fiber pollution.”

REPREVE with CiCLO technology enables synthetic fibers to naturally biodegrade under prolonged exposure to moisture and microorganisms, significantly reducing the time synthetic fibers (microplastics) remain in the environment. Today, products containing CiCLO, are utilized by forward-thinking, sustainable brands, including Bass Pro Shops, Billabong, Champion, Oakley, and Target.

“Synthetic textiles are a major contributor to microplastic fiber pollution, and it is a challenge that requires industry collaboration,” said Cheryl Smyre, Vice President of Parkdale Advanced Materials. “This joint initiative integrates two powerful solutions—REPREVE and CiCLO technology—to help maximize recycled content while addressing microfiber pollution at the source. As brands navigate growing sustainability commitments and regulatory demands, the collaboration delivers a proven and effective solution that empowers brands to address two critical environmental issues while preserving performance and recyclability,” added Smyre.

All REPREVE-branded products can be produced with the CiCLO additive, including REPREVE Takeback™ and REPREVE Our Ocean®. Available globally, REPREVE with CiCLO technology is a drop-in solution for brands and retailers, allowing them to meet global needs for reducing microplastic fiber pollution.

UNIFI will showcase REPREVE with CiCLO technology at Booth 815, and CiCLO technology will be located at Booth 712 during the Functional Fabric Fair, held April 14-16, 2025, in the Oregon Convention Center. For more information, visit www.repreve.com and www.ciclotextiles.com.

About UNIFI, Inc.

UNIFI, Inc. (NYSE: UFI) is a global leader in fiber science and sustainable synthetic textiles. Using proprietary recycling technology, UNIFI is a pioneer in scaling the transformation of post-industrial and post-consumer waste into sustainable products. Through REPREVE®, the world’s leading brand of traceable, recycled fiber and resin, UNIFI is changing the way industries think about the materials they use – and reuse. A vertically-integrated manufacturer, the company has direct operations in the United States, Colombia, El Salvador, and Brazil and sales offices all over the world. UNIFI envisions a future where circular and sustainable solutions are the only choice. For more information about UNIFI, visit www.unifi.com.

About REPREVE®

Made by UNIFI, Inc. (NYSE: UFI), REPREVE® is the global leader in recycled performance fibers and resins. Using proprietary recycling technology, REPREVE leverages multiple waste sources, including single-use plastic bottles, ocean-bound plastic, textile waste, and recycled yarn. REPREVE has transformed more than 42 billion plastic bottles into recycled fiber, powering globally scalable products for world-leading brands. Made traceable with FiberPrint® technology and certified by U-Trust®, REPREVE spans sports apparel, fashion, home, automotive, construction, transport, military, medical and packaged goods. For more information about REPREVE, visit www.repreve.com.

About Intrinsic Advanced Materials

Intrinsic Advanced Materials, LLC (IAM) is a pioneering force in sustainable textile innovation and the company behind CiCLO® technology. This award-winning solution helps reduce the environmental impact of synthetic microfiber pollution. Founded in 2018, IAM is a joint venture between Intrinsic Textiles Group, LLC, a Silicon Valley innovation company, and Parkdale Advanced Materials, Inc., the performance fiber division of Parkdale Incorporated, the world’s largest manufacturer of spun yarns, headquartered in Gastonia, North Carolina. Driven by a mission to combat microplastic pollution from textiles, IAM combines breakthrough science with deep industry expertise to deliver scalable, drop-in solutions for the global apparel and textile industry. CiCLO technology is produced in the USA and Asia. Synthetic fibers, yarns, and fabrics made using CiCLO are available worldwide—empowering brands and manufacturers to create high-performance products that are made to last - just not forever.

About CiCLO® Technology

Launched in 2017, CiCLO® technology is a textile ingredient that reduces the persistence of microplastic pollution caused by synthetic textiles. CiCLO® technology allows synthetic textiles to break down naturally in the environment while preserving performance and recyclability. CiCLO technology is patented globally, proven safe for use in sustainable textiles with OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT certification, and has been rigorously tested for biodegradation by third-party labs using internationally recognized ASTM and ISO test methods. Home, hospitality, apparel, and workwear products made with CiCLO technology can be found at major retailers and brands, including Target, Billabong, Oakley, Champion, McDonald’s, Best Western Hotels, and many more. For more information, visit www.ciclotextiles.com.