Alexium launches biodegradable EcoTek microcapsule for phase change materials

Alexium International says its new EcoTek microencapsulated phase change material has passed OECD 301F biodegradation testing and is available now for partner evaluation. The product is designed to give brands a sustainability claim that lasts beyond product use without sacrificing thermal performance, with commercial volumes planned for late 2026.

Why it matters: - EcoTek gives brands a microencapsulated phase change material with a biodegradability claim at end of life, not just a bio-based sourcing claim. - The product is aimed at markets that already use mPCM for thermal management, including bedding, apparel, furniture, packaging, electronics, transportation and medical devices. - Alexium says the product is designed to support sustainability positioning without reducing in-use performance.

What happened: - Alexium International Group Limited (ASX: AJX) announced EcoTek, a new family of microencapsulated phase change materials built on a biodegradable microcapsule. - The company said EcoTek passed biodegradation testing to the OECD 301F standard. - The announcement came from Greer, South Carolina, on Sept. 17, 2026. - Alexium said EcoTek is available now for partner evaluation.

The details: - Microencapsulated PCM stores thermal energy by sealing a phase change core inside a microscopic shell. - The core absorbs heat as it melts and releases heat as it re-solidifies, cycle after cycle. - Conventional capsule shells are usually built for durability only. - EcoTek’s shell is designed for durability during use and biodegradation after the product’s life ends. - The company says EcoTek moves its sustainability story beyond bio-based content to biodegradability. - The OECD 301F test measures oxygen consumption in a closed system to evaluate ready biodegradability in an aerobic aqueous medium. - The test typically runs for 28 days and uses microorganisms in an unadapted aqueous inoculum, such as activated sludge. - Biodegradation is reported as a percentage of theoretical oxygen demand. - EcoTek cleared the OECD 301F standard’s 60% pass level. - Alexium said EcoTek capsules are engineered to withstand high-temperature drying, lamination, coating-line shear, foam and slurry formulation, and incorporation into building materials and packaging. - EcoTek is designed to stay intact for the life of the finished product. - The shell is intended to break down only under the microbially active conditions simulated by the test methods. - EcoTek features melt points ranging from 27 to 31 degrees Celsius. - Alexium said EcoTek has comparable thermal effusivity and enthalpy results to the company’s existing mPCM portfolio. - The product is made in the United States. - Alexium said U.S. manufacturing supports supply-chain resilience and consistent quality at commercial volume. - Technical data, test summaries and evaluation samples are available at alexiuminternational.com or by contacting Alexium at (803) 715-3641 or info@alexiuminternational.com.

Between the lines: - The launch extends Alexium’s existing mPCM lineup, which already includes NexTek, VivTek and Micronal. - The pitch is aimed at customers that want thermal regulation materials with a clearer end-of-life story as regulations and buyer expectations around sustainability tighten. - Billy Blackburn, Alexium’s CEO, said brands have been asking for a microencapsulated PCM they can stand behind at end of life as confidently as in use. - Blackburn said EcoTek performs like the PCMs partners already use and biodegrades when the product’s life is over.

What's next: - Alexium plans commercial volumes for late 2026. - The company will showcase EcoTek at the ISPA Sustainability Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sept. 23-24. - Alexium will also present its other sustainable thermal regulation technologies at the event. - The company says meetings can be arranged through info@alexiuminternational.com.

The bottom line: - EcoTek is Alexium’s attempt to pair familiar mPCM performance with an end-of-life biodegradability claim that could appeal across consumer, industrial and medical markets.