Finally! Bio-based
& biodegradable polyester is here.
Introducing Kintra: A proprietary polyester that's designed to align with nature, and apparel performance needs.
KINTRA POLYESTER is:
Bio-BASED
Unlike traditional polyester (PET) that relies on fossil fuels, we use 100% bio-based inputs. By harnessing the power of nature, chemistry, and cutting-edge materials science, we've created a new polymer in the polyester category. In a preliminary cradle-to-gate LCA that compared our raw material and resin production processes to those of PET, we saw a 95% reduction in emissions.
BioDegradeable
Our yarns pass the ASTM D6400 / ISO 14855-1 tests for aerobic biodegradation in controlled compost conditions. We intentionally designed Kintra to biodegrade in aerobic environments as this has strong potential to address microfiber pollution within wastewater treatment facilities, mimicking how natural fibers biodegrade. The compost study for our yarns was our first step in understanding how we can help solve the microfiber pollution issue posed by PET. Our next step towards our goal of keeping the oceans clean is to study the biodegradation of Kintra microfibers within the aerobic conditions of wastewater treatment facilities.
MADE ON STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Kintra resin and yarns are made on the same equipment as PET. Our resin and yarn production are done at lower temperatures, which can help to reduce manufacturing emissions. Based on our manufacturing temperatures, our preliminary LCA for our resin production showed a 20% reduction in energy usage compared to PET resin.
“The perfect solution—that will come next year, when Kintra unveils its polyester.”
“How does Kintra differ? Crucially, it fits existing industry infrastructure…they can scale quickly and competitively.”
“Kintra mimics the useful qualities of polyester, nylon, and spandex…the brilliant thing is that it can morph into any form.”
“The solution lies in finding viable alternatives to fossil fuel-derived synthetics that have the same performance traits.”
“The biggest breakthrough of the last year is Kintra Fibers, for the development of a fully bio-based and biodegradable synthetic alternative.”
uniting performence
AND the PLANET.
INTRODUCING THE FIRST BIO-BASED & BIODEGRADABLE POLYESTER YARNs that also Perform Like the best.
SUPER STRONG:
TENACITY ON PAR WITH PET
ULTRA SOFT:
10X SOFTER THAN PET
COMFORT STRETCH:
10-15% STRETCH RECOVERY
FABRICS MADE WITH KINTRA YARNS:
Our team:
Billy isn't your average nano engineer. He's also an avid surfer. So when Billy learned about microfiber pollution, it set him on a journey to develop a solution for the apparel industry that can help address this problem. Kintra Fibers is the result. When Billy isn't in the lab, you can catch him catching waves, even in the middle of New York winter storms, which he says are the best time to get out in the water.
A Forbes 30 Under 30-honored entrepreneur in the fashion industry, Alissa met Billy while she was searching for materials that were better for the planet. The two joined forces to make the Kintra solution available to all apparel brands. When not in design meetings with Kintra brand partners, you can often catch Alissa hosting events for fellow climate tech founders in Los Angeles and New York.
An expert in synthetic fibers and fiber extrusion, Rebecca joined Billy and Alissa to help bring the Kintra products to life, starting from spinning in the lab and seeing the development through to commercial equipment. When she's not in the lab, you might catch Rebecca on a knitting expedition, her last one took her across Norway for two weeks, making artisanal creations using the finest natural fibers.
An outdoor enthusiast, Jose joins Kintra from his prior roles where he led projects to scale innovative and planet-friendly materials from pilot lines to commercial production facilities. When not working with Kintra manufacturing partners, you can catch Jose volunteering at a sustainable production hub in Los Angeles.
A biopolymer scientist with more than 6 years of experimental research experience and a passion for the planet, Prakash joins Kintra from his Ph.D. program at Texas Tech University, where he developed materials with a sustainable mindset. A yoga enthusiast, when not at the Kintra lab, you might catch Prakash honing his yoga practice or exploring New York City.
A fiber scientist who sees materials as way to reconnect humans back to the beauty of crafting textiles consciously, Kate joins Kintra from her textile sciences and engineering master's program at N.C. State University. When not at the Kintra lab, you can find Kate out exploring and getting to know New York City, possibly at one of the city's many craft fairs.
Let's work together
