Fashion for Good has introduced the Mass Balance Demonstrator project, a collaborative initiative aimed at scaling the use of mass balance attribution (MBA) for biomass-based polyester (PET) in textile applications. The project seeks to support brand-led decarbonisation efforts across the apparel value chain.
Although next-generation and sustainable materials are gaining attention, biosynthetic fibers still account for a limited share of projected materials by 2030. One major challenge is the lack of large-scale infrastructure, which restricts production volumes and keeps costs high despite proven technical performance.
The MBA model, widely used in sectors like renewable energy and paper, allows renewable and fossil-based raw materials to be processed together. It tracks the proportion of renewable inputs entering the system and allocates that share to final products through a verified accounting process. While the resulting materials are chemically identical, the attribution ensures transparency and accountability in sustainability claims.
Under this system, renewable feedstocks such as agricultural waste or used cooking oil are introduced alongside conventional inputs. The quantity of renewable content is recorded and proportionally assigned to outputs like polyester, ensuring that sustainability claims accurately reflect the level of renewable input without duplication.
The project brings together a consortium of leading organisations, including BESTSELLER, ON, Indorama Ventures, Textile Exchange, and UPM Biochemicals, among others. The collaboration aims to demonstrate the practical application of MBA while generating insights for broader industry adoption.
Key objectives of the initiative include producing biomass-attributed polyester materials, evaluating their environmental impact through lifecycle assessments, and developing a roadmap for scaling the model across the textile industry. Additionally, the findings will contribute to shaping industry standards and climate frameworks.
By enabling the integration of renewable feedstocks into existing manufacturing systems, the project offers a practical pathway for reducing emissions and advancing circularity in textiles. It also aims to provide the data and guidance needed for the industry to confidently adopt and scale mass balance solutions in the future.