Chicken, the most popular meat in the world, is a staple in many diets and is found in a wide variety of cuisines. In 2022 alone, more than 75 billion chickens were consumed globally.
Raising such a vast number of chickens generates an enormous amount of feather waste. In the U.S. alone, over 50 million tons of waste feathers are incinerated annually, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases, such as sulfur dioxide. So, we asked ourselves, what if we could turn them into something useful instead of disposing of chicken feathers in a way that contributes significantly to global warming?
Instead of burning them, Oceanit is repurposing this waste byproduct into a new, sustainable fabric called KERTEX. The name derives from “keratin” and “textiles.” Keratin is a biopolymer that can be extracted from chicken feathers, a fibrous protein found in all vertebrates in forms such as hair, horns, nails, claws, and hooves. Oceanit extracts this keratin from chicken feathers and then spins it into threads, and weaves it into a robust fabric.
KERTEX: Sustainable Semi-Synthetic Fabric
Fabrics are typically categorized into three types: natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural fibers come from plants or animals, while synthetic fabrics are produced from man-made chemical compounds like petroleum. Semi-synthetic fabrics, by contrast, use natural resources with some treatment to create the fabric. Some examples include Viscose, which is made from cellulose, typically derived from wood pulp, or bamboo fabric, which is a natural resource that is turned into a soft, wearable fabric through extensive processing.
We think we have something even better. KERTEX falls into the semi-synthetic category, offering a next-generation bio-based alternative to petroleum synthetic fabrics and seasonally dependent natural fabrics.
KERTEX surpasses both natural and synthetic fabrics in several key areas. Natural fibers are limited by seasonal harvesting periods, while synthetic fabrics contribute significantly to carbon emissions due to their reliance on petrochemicals. KERTEX offers a more sustainable solution, reducing production process emissions by up to 50 percent compared to traditional synthetic fabrics and contributing to environmental savings by lowering the water and energy consumption typically required to produce natural fabrics like cotton.
While there are concerns about the environmental impact of semi-synthetic fabrics, particularly regarding deforestation, KERTEX stands out. Unlike other semi-synthetic fabrics that rely on forest resources, KERTEX utilizes abundant waste resources available year-round, such as chicken feathers.
Durability of KERTEX
KERTEX has also proven to be much more durable than natural fabrics, which is why the U.S. Army supported its development for uniforms and other military applications. KERTEX’s durability meets the Army’s high-wear military specifications for straps, apparel, vehicle seat covers, seat belts, and more.
Expanding KERTEX’s Applications: Sustainable Fashion
Recently, Oceanit has been asked to explore ways to expand KERTEX’s applications beyond military use and into sustainable fashion, with potential collaborations with high-fashion brands. As the fashion industry shifts toward eco-friendly and sustainable practices, KERTEX fits seamlessly into this movement.
Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Impact
Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of inexpensive clothing that mimics the latest fashion trends. This model relies on quick turnaround times and often results in disposable garments designed to be worn only briefly before being discarded. The rise of fast fashion has led to a culture of overconsumption, where clothing is treated as a disposable item rather than a long-term investment.
The environmental impact of fast fashion is massive. The industry is responsible for about 10 percent of global carbon emissions, making it one of the largest polluting sectors in the world. Additionally, the production of fast fashion garments consumes vast amounts of water and energy, and synthetic fibers like polyester use contribute to microplastic pollution in the oceans.
The rapid pace of fast fashion also exacerbates the problem of textile waste, with millions of tons of clothing ending up in landfills yearly. These garments often contain synthetic materials that do not biodegrade, leading to long-term environmental harm.
Amid growing concerns about the environmental impact of fast fashion, a strong movement within the fashion industry is pushing toward sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. With its robust environmental credentials and durable properties, KERTEX is a key player in this shift.
By transforming waste into value, KERTEX offers a sustainable fabric alternative that reduces reliance on petrochemicals and mitigates the environmental harm associated with both fast fashion and traditional textile production. Its year-round availability and reduced environmental footprint make it ideal for high-fashion brands looking to embrace sustainability without compromising quality or performance.