UPM Biochemicals, Vaude to unveil biobased fleece jacket at ISPO Munich

November 26, 2023 | Juan Pedro Tomas

In The Netherlands, Fashion United reported that UPM Biochemicals and Vaude will unveil what it claims to be the world’s first fleece jacket made with wood-based polyester next week at ISPO Munich 2023, the world’s largest sports trade show,

The collaboration aims to showcase the feasibility of using biobased chemicals in textiles.

The key innovation in the process lies in replacing 30% monoethylene glycol (MEG) in polyester resin with a new bio-monoethylene glycol (BioMEG). UPM BioPura, the drop-in solution used in this process, is identical to traditional MEG on a molecular basis, making it compatible with existing polyester manufacturing processes and recycling streams.

René Bethmann, Senior Innovation Manager at Vaude, said: “We have partnered with UPM as partnerships across the whole value chain are a prerequisite for enhancing sustainable innovations. This initial milestone marks the first step in our journey to create a polyester derived from non-fossil ingredients.”