High-performance fibers such as PBO and PBI are traditionally manufactured for demanding industrial and protective applications. In recent years, recycling has emerged as a viable alternative for certain use cases. This FAQ addresses the most common technical and industrial questions about recycled PBO and PBI fibers, their performance, and their applications.

What is the difference between virgin PBO/PBI textiles and recycled PBO/PBI textiles?

Virgin PBO and PBI textiles are produced directly from newly manufactured fibers, while recycled PBO and PBI textiles are made by recovering high-performance fibers from post-industrial or post-use textile waste. As recycled fibers originate from existing textiles and garments, they are typically shorter, which can result in slightly heavier fabrics with thicker yarn structures. Despite these structural differences, recycled PBO and PBI textiles are designed to meet demanding performance requirements while offering improved sustainability.

Do recycled PBO and PBI textiles offer comparable performance to virgin materials?

Yes, recycled PBO and PBI textiles can offer comparable performance for many industrial and protective applications. Performance depends on yarn structure, fabric construction, and finishing processes. In-house testing and standardized evaluations, including ISO textile resistance tests, demonstrate that recycled PBO and PBI fabrics can achieve high levels of thermal resistance, mechanical stability, and durability suitable for professional use.

Can recycled PBO and PBI be combined with other high-performance fibers?

Yes. Recycled PBO and PBI fibers can be blended with other advanced fibers such as aramids, pre-oxidized fibers, or PBO and PBI themselves. These blends allow the development of customized textiles that balance performance, weight, flexibility, and cost. This approach enables tailored solutions for specific applications, which is often more difficult to achieve with virgin PBO or PBI produced in fixed standard formats.

What are PBO and PBI fibers used for?

PBO and PBI are high-performance fibers used in applications requiring extreme thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and chemical stability. Typical uses include protective clothing, industrial textiles, aerospace components, and other demanding environments.

What are the sustainability advantages of recycled PBO and PBI textiles?

Recycled PBO and PBI textiles significantly reduce environmental impact compared to virgin production. Recycling avoids the need for new polymer synthesis and reduces transportation, water use, and energy consumption. Depending on the process and application, water savings can reach up to 90–95%, and energy consumption can be reduced by up to 70%, while extending the lifecycle of high-performance materials.

Are recycled PBO and PBI textiles suitable for defense and tactical applications?

Absolutely. Defense applications demand the highest levels of thermal stability and mechanical strength, properties inherent to the PBO and PBI molecular structure. Our recycled textiles undergo rigorous testing, such as the EN ISO 11612 standard, achieving elite classifications like Code C4 for radiant heat. By blending these with other high-performance fibers, we create bespoke solutions for fragment protection, flight suits, and flame-resistant combat uniforms that meet strict military specifications while optimizing procurement costs.