Lululemon and Samsara Eco introduce enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 product

Lululemon has collaborated with Australian enviro-tech startup Samsara Eco to reveal the world’s premier enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 product, marking a significant breakthrough in textile-to-textile recycling and Lululemon’s pursuit of a circular ecosystem. The use of recycled nylon 6,6, developed with Samsara Eco’s technology, has enabled Lululemon to produce samples of its renowned Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Top, a pioneering achievement in nylon recycling.

Nylon 6,6 serves as a fundamental fiber in many of Lululemon’s top-selling products like the Align and Wunder Train leggings. Presently, recycled nylon is primarily derived from post-industrial waste, and recycled alternatives meeting Lululemon’s performance standards are limited. Samsara Eco’s technology revolutionizes this process by breaking down nylon 6,6 synthetic blends using engineered enzymes, allowing for the recreation of nylon 6,6 suitable for apparel production.

Yogendra Dandapure, Lululemon’s Vice President of Raw Materials Innovation, underscores the significance of this collaboration, highlighting its potential impact on sustainable innovation across industries. The samples of the Swiftly top exemplify not only material innovation but also the transformative power of collaboration and cross-industry partnerships, signaling a shift towards circular models in various sectors.

Over 90% of the nylon used in Lululemon’s Swiftly top samples is produced through Samsara Eco’s enzymatic recycling process, maintaining the same fit, feel, and quality synonymous with Lululemon products. Furthermore, the samples illustrate Lululemon’s vision of circularity by repurposing end-of-life nylon apparel, including leggings, into recycled nylon for new product creation, showcasing a commitment to sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.

Paul Riley, CEO and Founder of Samsara Eco, describes the collaboration with Lululemon as groundbreaking in addressing textile waste and establishing a fully circular ecosystem for apparel. While the initial focus is on nylon 6,6, the collaboration sets the stage for broader recycling possibilities across industries, signaling a significant moment for sustainable fashion and circularity.

This achievement marks a milestone in Lululemon’s ongoing collaboration with Samsara Eco, aligning with Lululemon’s goal to manufacture 100% of its products using preferred materials and end-of-use solutions by 2030. Through partnerships like these, Lululemon continues to advance its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the fashion industry.