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Bio-Based Polyamide Fiber from Renewable Castor Oil Achieves Industrial Scale Production
Rotterdam, Netherlands - May 2025: Dutch chemical company DSM has announced the industrial scale production of bio-based polyamide fiber derived from renewable castor oil, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polyamide (nylon) fibers. The new bio-based polyamide fiber, branded as EcoPaXX® Fiber, has the same mechanical properties as traditional nylon 6,6 but reduces carbon emissions by 40% compared to petroleum-based alternatives.
Polyamide fibers are widely used in apparel, automotive, and industrial applications due to their high strength, durability, and elasticity. However, their production relies on fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. DSM's EcoPaXX® Fiber is produced using castor oil, a renewable feedstock that can be grown on marginal lands without competing with food crops. The production process uses a proprietary polymerization technology that converts castor oil into a high-performance polyamide monomer.
Performance tests confirm that EcoPaXX® Fiber matches the tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and heat resistance of nylon 6,6. It also exhibits excellent dyeability and moisture management properties, making it suitable for sportswear, intimate apparel, and automotive textiles. The fiber has been certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), ensuring its sustainability throughout the supply chain.
DSM has invested in a 10,000-ton/year production facility in Rotterdam, with plans to expand capacity to 50,000 tons/year by 2028. Several major fashion brands and automotive manufacturers have already signed supply agreements for EcoPaXX® Fiber, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based textiles. The commercialization of bio-based polyamide fiber represents a significant step forward in the textile industry's transition to a circular and low-carbon economy.