Biodegradable biopolyester: a polyester that can go away
Mariva, a bio-based polymer with PET-like properties that is chemically recyclable and biodegradable. Forecut's innovation report.
Polyester is the world's most used fibre and a major source of microplastics. A new bio-based polymer aims to behave like polyester in use but break down or be recycled at end of life.
Where it was seen
Senbis Polymer Innovations (Netherlands) won a 2026 Techtextil innovation award for Mariva, announced on 14 April 2026. Senbis founded the start-up Mariva Materials in April 2026 to develop uses in sportswear, footwear, technical textiles and nonwovens.
How it works
Mariva is a bio-based, high-performance polymer with properties similar to PET and polyamide. It is designed for conventional polymerisation and melt-spinning lines, and pilot trials reportedly spun it on standard PET machinery. Senbis says it is chemically recyclable and biodegradable without producing microplastics.
What it means for Indian brands
Indian sportswear and athleisure brands rely heavily on polyester. A material that runs on existing machinery could scale faster than most bio-materials, but it is still at pilot stage.
What to do now
- Track Mariva Materials' commercial partners through 2027.
- Ask your polyester suppliers about bio-based or biodegradable trials.
- Avoid "biodegradable" claims until certified test results are available.
Sources: Textile World.
