SBIR/STTR Research Award

Transforming Agricultural Waste into Bio-based, Nontoxic, and Biodegradable Fibers and Yarns

Award identifier 5b49df533608b5188d50aacc99c7fdaa672e9e1b8247ad418fbfabfc69917198Awarding agency Environmental Protection Agency

Award amount

$100,000

Program and phase

SBIR · Phase I

Award year

2025

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Award details

Awarding agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Branch
Not reported
Recipient company
ECOATEX, LLC
Proposal award date
2024-12-16
Contract end date
2025-06-15
UEI
RR1DYZ6RCDJ6
Solicitation number
68HERC24R0185
Topic code
4B

Research abstract

EcoaTEX is pioneering a transformative technology that converts agricultural waste into high-performance, bio-based, nontoxic, and biodegradable fibers, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like cotton and synthetic fibers. Conventional cotton production, while widely used, relies heavily on pesticides and vast amounts of water, contributing to significant environmental challenges, including soil degradation, water scarcity, and pollution. Additionally, synthetic fibers, which dominate the textile industry, are derived from nonrenewable resources and contribute to microplastic pollution, which has widespread environmental and health impacts. In contrast, EcoaTEX’s innovative process harnesses agricultural waste, which would otherwise contribute to environmental pollution, as a raw material to produce eco-friendly fibers. This approach not only reduces the reliance on harmful agricultural practices but also minimizes the release of toxic chemicals, greenhouse gases, and microplastics into the environment. By utilizing agricultural byproducts, EcoaTEX helps prevent the burning of waste, a common practice that releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and local air quality issues. A key feature of this technology is its closed-loop system. At the end of the product’s life cycle, the fibers can be recycled and repurposed into new fibers, further reducing waste and enhancing sustainability. This closed-loop approach ensures that the materials remain within the economy for as long as possible, reducing the need for virgin resources and minimizing environmental impact. EcoaTEX’s technology also aligns with broader sustainability goals by prioritizing source reduction, reuse, and recycling, thereby conserving natural resources, reducing energy consumption, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The innovation supports the circular economy by turning waste into valuable products, significantly reducing the environmental burdens associated with landfilling, incineration, and resource extraction. Commercial potential for this technology is vast, particularly within the textile industry, where there is an increasing demand for sustainable materials. By converting agricultural waste into valuable fibers, EcoaTEX not only offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional fibers but also supports local economies by providing farmers with a sustainable outlet for their waste. This approach not only helps farmers economically but also prevents the environmental damage associated with traditional waste disposal methods. In summary, EcoaTEX’s technology offers a scalable and sustainable solution that addresses multiple environmental challenges, supports economic growth, and aligns with global efforts to create a more sustainable and circular economy. The potential for positive environmental impact and strong commercial viability make this technology a compelling choice for investment and further development.

Technology keywords

Not reported

Other awards by this recipient

Verified by the same UEI. These are other public SBIR/STTR award pages, not a merged company record.

Research funding history

2 SBIR/STTR records share this UEI (2024–2025). Reported award amounts total $274,983. Reported amounts are not federal obligations.

Phases: Phase I

Agencies: Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture

Agency intelligence

Environmental Protection Agency

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