Lululemon targets 20% recycled fiber through Samsara Eco’s enzymatic recycling
Sustainability and circular fashion are increasingly important to protect the environment. But the apparel industry is facing global sustainability challenges. To address these issues, athletic apparel leader Lululemon has announced a 10-year partnership with Australian biotech innovator Samsara Eco.
The agreement aims to provide Lululemon with recycled nylon 6,6 and polyester using advanced enzymatic recycling technology of Samsara Eco. The agreement allows Samsara Eco’s materials to support approximately 20% of Lululemon’s overall fiber portfolio, further advancing Lululemon’s progress by 2030.
One of the most widely used plastics in textiles is nylon 6,6. It is used in the textile industry to produce fabrics for clothing, sportswear, and outerwear. Enzyme-based process of Samsara Eco is a chemical-free recycling process. Their enzymatic technology breaks down plastics like polyester and nylon 6,6 into their basic chemical building blocks. The process does not rely on any petroleum-based fossil fuels. It can then be reprocessed into virgin-quality fibers.
“Our expanded partnership with lululemon represents a strong step forward to help create a fully circular ecosystem and further highlights the industry’s commitment to transition to more circular materials,” said Paul Riley, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Samsara Eco. “The technology to make circular materials is not a pipe dream – it is here, ready for adoption by forward-thinking companies. I’m incredibly optimistic about how we will help fuel circular apparel over the next decade with lululemon.”
“Scaling circular materials requires bold partnerships and a shared commitment to rethinking how our industry operates,” said Ted Dagnese, Lululemon’s chief supply chain officer, in a statement.
The deal is designed to significantly scale circular materials, with recycled fibers of Samsara Eco making up one-fifth of Lululemon’s fiber usage. The scale is crucial because it can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels that impact the environmental impact of textile production.
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