Sustainability
from the Start
Inherent Qualities & Key Features
Circular Textiles
Transform #5 Plastic Again & Again
We offer advanced capabilities, including PIR (Post-Industrial Recycled) and PC (Post-Consumer) PP, along with custom additive compounding for superior color matching, UV protection, FR, and odor control.
The industry is shifting rapidly, driven by state legislation (e.g., NY Carpet EPR Law) and global consumer demand for circular materials in automotive, flooring, and bedding, putting PP at the forefront of the sustainability solution.
Lower Emissions
Alleviate CO₂ and greenhouse gas
PP has the lowest energy demand and lowest associated CO₂-eq emissions during polymerization.
PP also emits 30-40% less CO₂ than PET and up to 75% less than Nylon 6/6. Further, less process steam, compressed air, and dryer use equate to a lower CO₂ footprint.
Solution-Dyed
Saves water
We are a solution-dyed custom color house. Drake Extrusion has mastered color, with tens of thousands of colors developed, including all automotive interior colors and military colors.
PP requires no water or effluent from dyeing. It eliminates entire wet-processing stages used for PET or nylon dyeing, saving ~20–40 L of water per kg of fabric. No dye baths, rinse water, or wastewater treatment are required.
Consumer safe and friendly
No Harmful Chemicals
PP’s inherent qualities make it breathable and lightweight. It repels water and does not get heavy when wet. It locks in warmth and outperforms other fibers without the use of PFAS, forever chemicals or heavy metals. PP is RoHS, REACH & CA65 compliant.
In the dyeing process, no chemical auxiliaries are required, making for a cleaner process and reducing the risk of environmental contamination.
Production Efficiency
Saves energy
PP requires less processing and energy than other synthetic fibers. Because of its natural qualities, PP achieves the same performance goals as polyester and nylon and consumes less energy to create the end product.
Further, eliminating wet processing reduces total energy demand by ~15–30 % per kg fiber in the solution dyeing process.
Partnering for the Circular Economy
Winning Collaboration
Drake Extrusion has successfully produced continuous filament yarns from the 100% post-consumer recycled polypropylene compound. This breakthrough, achieved through multiple trials, marks the first reliable, sustainable alternative to virgin polypropylene for fiber and yarn production, which historically lacked viable recycling options. The resulting recycled fiber can be used for applications like rugs, upholstery, and apparel, with thicker filaments suited for outdoor upholstery and thinner ones for the apparel market. We have forged partnerships with suppliers, such as Pure Cycle, who share our commitment to a physical dissolution process that achieves a high-quality, high recovery rate of plastic, significantly reducing environmental impact. All made in the USA.