Lululemon Athletica Inc. is enhancing its sustainable innovation efforts by partnering with biotechnology firm ZymoChem to scale production of bio-based nylon 6,6, crucial for their high-performance apparel.
lululemon Athletica Inc. has announced an expanded partnership with the biotechnology firm ZymoChem, aiming to scale the production of bio-based nylon 6,6 for use in their apparel. This partnership is part of lululemon’s broader strategy to enhance its sustainable innovation efforts and reduce its reliance on petroleum-based textiles. The collaboration marks the next phase following lululemon’s initial investment in ZymoChem last year, which focused on developing bio-based adipic acid, a primary ingredient in conventional nylon 6,6.
The newly scaled bio-based nylon 6,6 is a significant development for lululemon, particularly for their flagship products such as the Align and Wunder Train leggings. In a statement, Yogendra Dandapure, the Vice President of Raw Materials Innovation at lululemon, emphasized the unique capabilities of ZymoChem’s technology, remarking, “What truly sets ZymoChem apart is their groundbreaking technology, which is capable of producing a bio-based material to create sustainable nylon 6,6 that provides the same look, feel, and quality expected from our high-performance products.”
ZymoChem, renowned for its patented Carbon Conserving process, is set to play a vital role in enabling lululemon to transition toward sustainable material production. “We spent years refining our patented Carbon Conserving process with a vision to develop a sustainable version of nylon,” stated Harshal Chokhawala, Co-Founder and CEO of ZymoChem. He expressed enthusiasm about the deepened collaboration with lululemon, indicating that it would allow the company to deliver bio-based and decarbonized nylon on a global scale.
The partnership aligns with lululemon’s wider network of collaborations focused on sustainable materials. The company has also partnered with firms like Geno, where they are advancing bio-based alternatives to nylon 6, and Samsara Eco, with whom they achieved the first-ever enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 earlier this year. Dandapure noted that through these partnerships, lululemon is creating various pathways to shift toward sustainable materials across its product offerings.
Overall, lululemon is adopting a comprehensive approach to sustainability and material innovation, positioning itself as a leader in the movement towards eco-friendly apparel production. This initiative is aimed at fostering a circular economy within the textile industry while maintaining high-performance standards in their products.
Source: Noah Wire Services
