DIVE DEEPER:

• Natural fibres like cotton and wool are better for the environment than their synthetic successors like polyester and acrylic, but often can’t match their performance qualities when it comes to moisture management and durability.

• Clarus from NFW uses ionic liquids to swell, mobilise and reconstruct cellulosic bonds at the molecular level in the cell walls of natural fibres to create stronger, more durable and functional yarns and fabrics.

• The salts are then removed and recaptured for reuse in a closed-loop process, leaving only the original natural fibre behind with new performance characteristics.

• Clarus can be used with virgin materials as well as short-fibered, mechanically recycled cotton, which is usually unsuitable for clothing and instead often downcycled into building insulation.

• NFW can adjust its patented processes for different end use cases, depending on a brand’s needs.

• NFW does not hold any formal compostability certifications for its Clarus cotton, however, as a 100% plant-based fibre, garments will break down into nutrients and not shed or degrade into microplastics if disposed of at end-of-life.

• Before its commercial launch, NFW and Ralph Lauren used Clarus cotton in the official Team USA closing ceremony parade uniforms at the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.