Lululemon recently announced a multi-year collaboration with Genomatica, a leader in sustainable materials, to introduce renewable bio-based materials into lululemon's products. This is lululemon's first equity investment in a sustainable materials company in its history, and it is also Genomatica's largest cooperation in the retail industry. The two companies will jointly create a plant-based nylon with less environmental impact to replace traditional nylon, which is currently the most used synthetic material for lululemon products.
Genomatica uses biotechnology and fermentation technology to convert plant ingredients into widely used chemical raw materials, such as raw materials used to make nylon. These raw materials are converted into particles and yarns, and the two companies will work closely with lululemon's fabric supply chain to incorporate this material into future products. Through this cooperation, the two companies are trying to create positive changes in the $22 billion global nylon market by establishing a more sustainable supply chain.
Calvin McDonald, CEO of lululemon, said: "Our cooperation and investment with Genomatica shows that we are committed to being a leader in creating products and helping ourselves, our communities and our planet build a healthier future. Genomatica's Bio-based innovations, and their unique record of successful commercial applications, will help us achieve our impact agenda goal, which is to use sustainable materials and end solutions for 100% of our products by 2030, as we are moving towards a circular ecosystem ."
Christophe Schilling, CEO of Genomatica, said: "We are honored to work with lululemon, which is taking meaningful action to help solve our climate crisis. The combination of biotechnology, fermentation and renewable raw materials can provide a strong A powerful means to disrupt the apparel industry through sustainable sourcing. This unique collaboration will help meet the growing consumer demand for more environmentally friendly products and set an example for global consumer brand owners."
Patty Stapp, vice president of raw materials at lululemon, said: “Replacement of petrochemicals that make up many popular materials with more sustainable alternatives is an important step in achieving our impact agenda goals. By transitioning our nylon to renewable ingredients, we will influence More than half of the synthetic materials used in our supply chain. We have seen Genomatica successfully provide industry-changing bio-based materials on a commercial scale many times, and believe that this partnership can truly change the way we purchase products while continuing to provide The excellent quality we are known for."
In October 2020, lululemon released its impact agenda for the first time, outlining ambitious social and environmental goals and multi-year strategies for achieving a fairer, sustainable and healthy future. The collaboration with Genomatica is one of many ways lululemon brings new and sustainable innovation to its raw materials. Other examples include the company's partnership with Mylo, which uses mycelium-based leather, and LanzaTech, which uses recycled carbon emissions to make polyester.