Trifilon S

Trifilon S is a renewable thermoplastic biocomposite developed by Swedish material company Trifilon. Combining bio-based polyesters with natural fibres, the material is designed as a lower-impact alternative to conventional fossil-based plastics for injection-moulded products. Depending on the grade, Trifilon S can be up to 90% fossil-free.

The polymer component is derived from renewable resources such as sugarcane and is reinforced with natural fibres, including hemp sourced from European farms. The agricultural feedstocks are non-GMO. By replacing a large proportion of fossil-derived raw materials with renewable alternatives, Trifilon states that the material can achieve approximately 70% lower CO₂ emissions compared with conventional ABS.

In addition to its renewable content, Trifilon S is designed for industrial compostability. Under appropriate controlled conditions of elevated temperature and humidity, the material breaks down into non-toxic compounds. Trifilon reports that test samples fully degraded after 39 days at 58°C and high humidity. Industrial composting conditions are therefore required; the material should not be considered suitable for uncontrolled home or environmental composting on the basis of this claim.

The natural-fibre reinforcement contributes to good stiffness and dimensional stability while giving the material a dry, less conventionally plastic-like tactile quality. Trifilon S contains no heavy metals or toxic substances according to the manufacturer and is described as vegan-friendly.

Supplied in granule form, the material can be processed by injection moulding, allowing manufacturers to incorporate renewable material content into a wide variety of components. Applications can range from consumer products to durable outdoor equipment and other moulded products where mechanical performance and reduced fossil content are important.

One application is Grimsholm Green’s Signal Cable Bio-Spike. Produced using Trifilon S, the component incorporates renewable, non-GMO plant-based feedstocks and hemp fibres. Collaboration between Grimsholm, Trifilon and a local injection-moulding partner also enabled production to be relocated to Sweden, reducing associated logistics.

By combining renewable polymers with natural-fibre reinforcement and industrial compostability, Trifilon S provides an alternative approach to conventional thermoplastics. Its high bio-based content, established processing route and potential end-of-life pathway make it particularly relevant for products where reducing dependence on fossil resources is a central material consideration.