Outdoor apparel giant Patagonia has joined forces with Eastman to combat textile waste. Together, they've recycled 8,000 pounds of pre- and post-consumer clothing waste, using Eastman's molecular recycling technology. This process breaks down unusable apparel from Patagonia into molecular building blocks, which Eastman then repurposes into new fibers.

Natalie Banakis, materials innovation engineer at Patagonia, emphasized the growing concern over apparel waste and the increasing demand for sustainable solutions. The collaboration aims to address these challenges and showcase the potential of sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

Carolina Sister Cohn, global marketing lead for Eastman textiles, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership's impact on sustainability. She highlighted the importance of collaboration with forward-thinking brands like Patagonia in achieving circular fashion. Cohn also hinted at future collaborations in 2024, indicating a commitment to furthering sustainable initiatives in the textiles industry.