Selenis partners with Kintra Fibers to scale bio-based biodegradable textile material
Selenis has entered a strategic manufacturing partnership with Kintra Fibers to bring a new bio-based material closer to large-scale use in textiles. The agreement focuses on scaling Kintra’s fiber-grade PBS (polybutylene succinate), a 100% bio-based and biodegradable resin developed for apparel and other textile applications.
The collaboration brings together Selenis’ experience in specialty polyester production and Kintra’s material technology. By combining these capabilities, the two companies aim to move the material from development to commercial volumes that can meet industry demand.
Selenis will take on the role of industrialization partner through its Texnascis platform, which focuses on sustainable and high-performance fibers. The company will use its existing polymerization infrastructure and process engineering expertise to manufacture the PBS resin at scale. This step is critical in ensuring consistent quality, production efficiency, and compatibility with existing textile processes.
Eduardo Santos, Strategy and Integration Director at Selenis, said the company sees strong potential in materials that balance performance with commercial readiness. He noted that Kintra’s PBS has been specifically designed for fiber production, offering the durability and functionality required in modern textiles while maintaining its biodegradable nature.
For the textile industry, the partnership comes at a time when the need for alternative raw materials is growing. Current estimates suggest that more than 90 million metric tons of petroleum-based synthetic fibers are produced each year. Replacing even a portion of this volume with bio-based options could reduce dependence on fossil resources and lower environmental impact.
Kintra Fibers’ CEO and Co-Founder Billy McCall highlighted the importance of selecting the right manufacturing partner. He explained that scaling a new material requires not only technology but also strong production control and industrial expertise. With Selenis’ support, Kintra expects to meet the quality and volume requirements needed for broader market adoption.
The material is designed to integrate into existing textile manufacturing systems, which may help brands adopt it without major changes to their processes. At the same time, its biodegradable nature addresses growing concerns around textile waste and end-of-life impact.
As brands and manufacturers look for practical ways to reduce their environmental footprint, partnerships like this show how material development and manufacturing scale can work together. The next phase will depend on how quickly the material can be adopted across different segments of the textile industry.
