Engineering Circularity
Through Material Science.
NovaPoly combines advanced polymer engineering with innovative enzymatic technology to support circular material lifecycles. Our approach begins with high-performance polymers and extends beyond product use, enabling verified biodegradation under defined environmental conditions without compromising functionality.
A New Generation of Polymer Technology
NovaPoly is built around a simple idea: sustainability should never come at the expense of performance.
Traditional polymers are designed to last, but once they reach the end of their useful life, they often remain in the environment for decades. NovaPoly materials are engineered differently. They deliver the performance required throughout their service life while incorporating technology that supports biodegradation once the material reaches specific end-of-life environments.
By combining carefully selected polymer systems with NBC’s proprietary enzymatic additive, NovaPoly creates materials that are designed for circularity from the very beginning.
The Science Behind NovaPoly
Every NovaPoly material follows the same scientific principle.
Additive Integration
An advanced enzymatic additive is permanently integrated into the polymer during production.
Inactive During Use
Throughout the product’s lifetime, the additive remains inactive and has no negative impact on the material’s performance.
Controlled Biodegradation
Only when the material reaches defined biodegradation environments do naturally occurring microorganisms begin interacting with the additive.
This allows the polymer to maintain its strength, durability and functionality during use while supporting responsible end-of-life behavior.
How It Works
Scroll to move through the five stages of the NovaPoly lifecycle.
High-Performance Polymer
NovaPoly begins as a conventional high-performance polymer engineered for demanding textile applications. The material delivers the same processing characteristics, durability and quality expected from premium synthetic fibres.
01Advanced Additive Technology
During production, NovaPoly is enhanced with NBC’s advanced enzymatic additive. Rather than changing the polymer itself, the additive becomes part of the material and remains inactive throughout the product’s useful life.
02Microorganisms Are Attracted
When the material reaches suitable end-of-life environments, naturally occurring microorganisms recognize the additive. These microorganisms colonize the material surface and begin interacting with the polymer.
03Depolymerization
The additive assists microorganisms in breaking long polymer chains into shorter molecular segments. This process transforms large polymer molecules into structures that are easier for microorganisms to metabolize.
04Natural Biodegradation
Once the polymer chains become sufficiently small, microorganisms and methanogens continue digesting the material as part of natural biological processes. Different biological pathways and end products are formed depending on the environment.
05Different Environments.
Different Biological Processes.
NovaPoly has been evaluated under multiple internationally recognized biodegradation environments.
Aerobic Conditions
In aerobic conditions, microorganisms use oxygen during the biodegradation process.
- Marine environments
- Surface landfill conditions
- Wastewater treatment
- Compost-like environments
Anaerobic Conditions
Under anaerobic conditions, methanogens and anaerobic microorganisms become the dominant biological organisms responsible for further degradation.
- Deep landfill conditions
- Oxygen-free waste environments
Depolymerization Explained
Traditional synthetic polymers consist of extremely long molecular chains that microorganisms cannot easily digest.
NovaPoly’s additive supports the gradual breakdown of these chains into shorter molecular fragments. This controlled depolymerization significantly improves the accessibility of the material for naturally occurring microorganisms while maintaining product stability throughout normal use.
Performance Comes First
NovaPoly materials are engineered to perform like conventional premium fibres. The biodegradation technology is designed not to interfere with:
- Mechanical performance
- Textile processing
- Dyeability
- Durability
- Wear resistance
- Product quality
Manufacturers can therefore integrate NovaPoly materials into existing production processes without compromising performance expectations.
Designed for Circularity
NovaPoly supports a lifecycle that considers every stage of a material’s journey.
Production
Responsible material selection.
Product Use
Full performance throughout its intended lifetime.
Recycling
Compatibility with existing recycling technologies where applicable.
End of Life
Verified biodegradation under defined environmental conditions.
Third-Party Validation
Scientific transparency is a fundamental part of the NovaPoly platform.
All biodegradation testing is conducted by independent laboratories using internationally recognized standards.
Testing is continuously updated as long-term studies progress.
International Testing Standards
NovaPoly materials are evaluated according to recognized international methods, including:
- ASTM
ASTM D5511
Anaerobic biodegradation under high-solids landfill conditions.
- ASTM
ASTM D6691
Aerobic biodegradation in marine environments.
- ASTM
ASTM D5210
Aerobic biodegradation in sewage sludge.
- ISO
ISO 24187
Assessment of biodegradability in aqueous media and environmental safety.
Why We Developed NovaPoly
Every year, millions of tonnes of textile waste are discarded despite retaining valuable material resources.
Much of this waste is sent to landfill or incineration instead of being reused within a circular economy.
NovaPoly was developed to help address this challenge by combining high-performance polymers with technologies that support recycling, circular material design and responsible end-of-life behavior.
Rather than focusing on only one stage of the lifecycle, NovaPoly considers the entire journey of a material—from production to disposal.
Technology Highlights
Circular Design Philosophy
Materials engineered with their complete lifecycle in mind.
Advanced Material Science
Combining polymer engineering with biological processes.
Independent Verification
Validated through internationally recognized testing laboratories.
Compatible with Existing Manufacturing
Designed to integrate into established textile production processes.
Performance Without Compromise
High-performance materials that maintain expected textile characteristics.
Continue Exploring
Discover how the NovaPoly technologies are applied across our product portfolio.
