Agraloop™ BioFibre: Regenerated Cellulose from Agricultural Residues

Agraloop™ BioFibre represents a significant development in regenerated cellulose, offering an alternative to wood‑derived viscose and lyocell by sourcing cellulose from agricultural residues. The process converts the husks, stalks and stems left after harvesting oilseed crops such as hempseed, flaxseed, canola and rice bran into a continuous regenerated fibre suitable for apparel. This approach aligns with a growing body of research demonstrating that agricultural byproducts contain substantial cellulose reserves and can be transformed into high‑performance materials through appropriate pretreatment and regeneration.

Lignocellulosic residues are structurally rich in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Studies on oil‑palm biomass, for example, show cellulose contents ranging from 40% to over 60% depending on plant part and processing method (Mahardika et al., 2024; Ajayi et al., 2024). These residues exhibit the same fundamental architecture found across agricultural waste streams: cellulose microfibrils embedded within a lignin–hemicellulose matrix, with surface morphologies that vary according to species, age and environmental conditions. Research on oil‑palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) demonstrates that such biomass can be effectively pretreated through alkaline extraction, bleaching and controlled hydrolysis to isolate cellulose of high purity and consistent structural characteristics (Padzil et al., 2020; Ajayi et al., 2024).

Agraloop™ applies similar principles but directs the output toward regenerated textile fibre rather than nanocellulose or composite reinforcement. Once lignin and hemicellulose are removed, the purified cellulose is dissolved and extruded into new filaments. This regeneration step allows the fibre to achieve a smooth surface, uniform fibril distribution and the flexibility required for dress‑grade fabrics. Unlike raw plant fibres, which retain the stiffness and variability of their botanical origin, regenerated cellulose can be engineered for softness, drape and dye affinity. This distinction is well supported by comparative studies showing that untreated biomass fibres tend to exhibit higher stiffness, irregular morphology and limited textile performance, whereas regenerated cellulose offers greater uniformity and fluidity (Suriani et al., 2021; Ajayi et al., 2024).

The environmental rationale for this approach is strong. Oilseed agriculture generates large volumes of lignocellulosic residues that are often burned or left to decompose, contributing to emissions and waste accumulation. Similar challenges are documented in oil‑palm systems, where millions of tonnes of OPEFB and other residues are produced annually, with unmanaged waste posing environmental risks (Mahardika et al., 2024). Converting these residues into regenerated cellulose reduces reliance on forest‑derived dissolving pulp, diverts biomass from open‑field burning and creates a new cellulose supply chain without expanding land use. Because the feedstock is a byproduct of existing agriculture, fibre production does not compete with food crops or require additional cultivation.

Agraloop™ therefore fits within a broader shift toward distributed cellulose production, in which multiple agricultural systems—not only forestry—supply the polymer backbone for textiles and advanced materials. Research on oil‑palm biomass has shown that non‑wood cellulose can achieve high crystallinity, strong thermal stability and favourable mechanical properties when processed correctly (Ajayi et al., 2024; Padzil et al., 2020). Agraloop™ demonstrates how these scientific principles can be applied to the fashion sector, producing regenerated cellulose from waste streams while meeting the performance expectations of apparel fabrics.

As the textile industry seeks alternatives to petrochemical synthetics and forest‑derived viscose, Agraloop™ offers a pathway that aligns material performance with agricultural circularity. It illustrates how cellulose can be sourced from residues rather than trunks, and how regeneration technologies can convert dispersed biomass into consistent, high‑quality textile fibre. In doing so, it expands the landscape of cellulose innovation and provides a model for integrating agricultural byproducts into the textile economy.

Brands Using Agraloop™ BioFibre

• H&M
      One of the earliest adopters. H&M incorporated Agraloop™ BioFibre into womenswear pieces within its Conscious collections, demonstrating that the fibre can replace viscose in lightweight dresses and tops while maintaining drape and softness.

• Levi’s
      Levi’s has used Agraloop™ in selected garments through its sustainability  innovation programme. The fibre has appeared in lightweight woven styles where cellulose‑based alternatives to viscose are needed.

• Kering  (Group‑level support)
      Kering has supported Circular Systems through its innovation initiatives, helping accelerate Agraloop™’s development and integration into luxury supply chains. This endorsement signals high‑level industry confidence in the fibre’s potential.

• PVH      Corp (Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger)
      PVH has collaborated with Circular Systems on material‑innovation pilots, including Agraloop™, as part of its circularity and low‑impact materials strategy.

• Patagonia
      Patagonia has explored Agraloop™ in R&D contexts, particularly for cellulose‑based alternatives to synthetics in lightweight apparel categories.