Materials 101
by / Apr 09, 2025
Sustainable Scrubs Materials 101: The Science Behind Welles' Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Understanding the materials in your scrubs can help you make informed decisions about both performance and environmental impact. This guide breaks down the innovative sustainable materials that make Welles scrubs different from conventional medical apparel.
The Problem with Conventional Scrub Materials
Traditional medical scrubs typically rely on virgin synthetic materials derived from petroleum. These conventional fabrics present several environmental challenges:
- Non-biodegradable: Standard polyester can take 200+ years to decompose
- Microplastic pollution: Synthetic fabrics shed microfibers during washing
- Fossil fuel dependency: Virgin polyester production relies on petroleum extraction
- Chemical-intensive: Production often involves harmful chemicals and dyes
- Limited end-of-life options: Most scrubs end their lifecycle in landfills
As healthcare professionals who care about wellbeing, many of us want our workwear choices to reflect our values. This desire for more sustainable options has driven innovation in medical apparel materials.
Our Sustainable Material Solutions
Our sustainable scrub materials address these environmental challenges without compromising on the performance features healthcare professionals need.
Recycled Polyester with CiCLO® Technology
What it is: The foundation of our sustainable scrubs combines post-consumer recycled polyester with groundbreaking CiCLO® Technology.
How it's made
1. Post-consumer plastic waste (primarily bottles) is collected, cleaned, and processed
2. The plastic is broken down into flakes, then melted and extruded into new yarn
3. During manufacturing, CiCLO® additives are incorporated into the fiber structure
4. The resulting yarn is woven or knit into fabric for our scrubs
Environmental benefits:
- Diverts plastic waste from landfills and oceans
- Requires 59% less energy to produce than virgin polyester
- Reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 32% compared to conventional polyester
- Significantly accelerates biodegradation in landfill environments
Performance features:
- Maintains the durability and strength of conventional polyester
- Provides excellent moisture-wicking properties
- Offers 4-way stretch for unrestricted movement
- Retains shape through multiple washes
The CiCLO® difference:
CiCLO® Technology creates biodegradability in materials that would otherwise persist in the environment for centuries. When CiCLO®-treated polyester enters environments where microbes are present (like landfills or wastewater), it becomes digestible to the microorganisms that naturally occur there. This allows the material to biodegrade at rates similar to natural fibers like wool, rather than persisting for hundreds of years.
Sustainable Viscose
What it is: A plant-based fiber derived from sustainably managed forest sources.
How it's made:
1. Cellulose pulp is extracted from wood harvested from responsibly managed forests
2. The pulp undergoes a chemical process to create viscose fibers
3. These fibers are spun into yarn and woven or knit into fabric
4. The process used for Welles scrubs follows strict environmental controls
Environmental benefits:
- Derived from renewable resources rather than fossil fuels
- Sourced from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
- Biodegradable under natural conditions
- Lower carbon footprint than petroleum-based synthetics
Performance features:
- Exceptionally soft feel against skin
- Natural breathability for comfort during long shifts
- Excellent drape for a flattering fit
- Blends seamlessly with recycled polyester for optimal performance
Eco-Friendly Dyes
What they are: bluesign® certified colorants that meet strict environmental and safety standards.
How they're different:
1. Free from harmful substances like PFAS and formaldehyde
2. Applied using processes that minimize water consumption
3. Require less energy during the dyeing process
4. Produce less wastewater compared to conventional dyeing
Environmental benefits:
- Reduced water pollution
- Lower resource consumption
- Elimination of hazardous chemicals
- Safer for workers and end-users
Performance features:
- Excellent colorfastness through multiple washes
- Vibrant, consistent color that maintains professional appearance
- Reduced risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals
- Complies with global safety standards
Making the Material Difference
The materials in your scrubs represent more than just fabric—they embody values about health, wellbeing, and environmental responsibility. By choosing Welles sustainable scrubs, you're selecting innovative materials that:
- Perform at the highest level for healthcare environments
- Significantly reduce environmental impact compared to conventional options
- Represent the cutting edge of sustainable textile innovation
- Align with the values of healing and wellbeing central to healthcare
Understanding these materials empowers you to make informed choices about your workwear that benefit both your professional performance and the planet we all share.
