Reimagining polyester for a planet that's running out of time
Better Flags reinvents polyester flags. Enhanced with CiCLO® technology, our biodegradable flags set a new standard for the sustainable flag industry.
Are biodegradable flags actually biodegradable?
Ours are, and here is the test data. A Better Flag is polyester enhanced with CiCLO®, an additive built into the fibre itself. It doesn't wash out, and it only activates once the fibres reach an environment full of microbes — soil, landfill, seawater or wastewater. Independent laboratories measured how far it goes using the recognised ASTM methods:
biodegradation in natural seawater after ~1,362 days (ASTM D6691)
biodegradation in soil after ~1,171 days (ASTM D5988)
biodegradation in anaerobic landfill conditions after ~1,278 days (ASTM D5511)
biodegradation in wastewater sludge after ~952 days (ASTM D5210)
Two things that does not mean. A biodegradable flag will not fall apart while it flies — a Better Flag lasts the same 2–5 years outdoors as a conventional polyester one, because the additive only does anything where microbes are. And CiCLO®-enhanced polyester is still polyester: it is petroleum-based, made from a non-renewable resource. For a flag with no plastic in it at all, choose Hemptex® hemp.
Our Commitment
Microplastic pollution is one of the defining challenges of our time and we refuse to accept its persistence. Better Flags uses groundbreaking fabric technology to directly address this issue, setting a new standard for the sustainability flag industry.
Our Supply Chain
Building the world's most responsible polyester flag supply chain meant partnering exclusively with Europe's most advanced textile innovators; ensuring fair wages, minimal transport impact, and full traceability from fiber to finish.
Sourcing
Every Better Flag begins in Germany, where Georg+Otto Friedrich, Europe's leading manufacturer of warp-knitted textiles, spins recycled PET into high-performance biodegradable polyester. It is at this stage that the fiber is enhanced with CiCLO®, a patented additive that allows polyester to break down under real-world conditions.
CiCLO: A Revolutionary Fiber Treatment
All CiCLO® materials used in Better Flags are OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified, REACH compliant, and verified non-toxic to marine and plant ecosystems - a combination of certifications rarely achieved together in synthetic textiles. The chemistry is embedded directly into the fiber without added coatings or finishes.
Printing
For small production runs, printing is handled by Hollanders Printing Solutions in the Netherlands - pioneers in sustainable textile printing. This method minimizes water use, avoids toxic dyes, and produces vibrant, long-lasting colors. For larger runs, printing and assembly take place at FAHNENGÄRTNER in Austria, a third-generation family company.
"The entire production—from sustainable printing and high-quality assembly to packaging and shipping—takes place within the EU. We work closely for this with our partner FAHNENGÄRTNER in Romania, a third-generation family company with 80+ years of expertise in flag production."
Production: Transparently made in Europe
Across all partners, production remains local, transparent, and fully made in Europe. From spinning to printing to final assembly, every step occurs within a short, efficient supply chain connected entirely by land transport. This approach reduces emissions, ensures fair labor standards, and maintains full oversight of environmental impact.
Environmental Impact
Each purchase contributes to a cleaner future by reducing microplastic pollution, supporting fair work, and advancing responsible textile innovation.
min biodegradationreached by CiCLO® fabrics.
of ocean microplastics come from synthetic textiles
plastic bottles = the yearly ocean microfiber load (weight equivalent).
This is how you make a difference
Not all polyester is created equal. See how choosing CiCLO®-enhanced polyester helps cut microplastic pollution and set a new sustainability standard.
Standard Polyester Flags
A single flag can lose around 25% of its weight, releasing up to 8.3 g of microplastic
Made from virgin, petroleum-based polyester
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Better Flags with CiCLO®
Better Flags are designed to perform like traditional polyester but break down naturally after use
Made from recycled PET enhanced with CiCLO® technology
Up to 90% biodegradable under real-world conditions within approximately 3 years after disposal
Certified by OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT and REACH for safe chemistry
1% for the Planet. 100% for Positive Change.
As proud members of 1% for the Planet, we donate a portion of every sale to environmental causes — ensuring our commitment to sustainability goes beyond materials.
Built to Last
From weaving in Germany to assembly in Austria and the Netherlands, every stage of Better Flags' production is transparent and documented.
Sustainable and Traceable
All Better Flags are made from polyester enhanced with CiCLO®, sourced responsibly and exclusively from European suppliers.
Planet Friendly
Designed for a lifetime of use, Better Flags biodegrade naturally within approximately three years once discarded.
Awarded & Certified
Better Flags materials meet global standards for environmental responsibility, and carry OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certification.
