Lululemon invests $30M in nylon recycling startup Syntetica
Syntetica transforms textile waste to contribute to sustainable fashion.
1Syntetica's innovative approach
Syntetica is a French startup that recycles Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 from textile waste. These materials are often sent to landfills because they are difficult to separate in consumer waste. Syntetica's technology offers a practical solution to this problem.
2Lululemon's investment
Activewear brand Lululemon participated in Syntetica's $30 million Series A round. This investment highlights premium brands' interest in sustainable fashion. Lululemon plans to use Syntetica's recycled nylon in future products.
3Industrial partnerships
Syntetica has established a facility in Clermont-Ferrand with Michelin's Center for Sustainable Materials. This facility aims to demonstrate commercial-scale production of recycled nylon. Major textile manufacturers like MAS Holdings also support Syntetica.
4France's support
Syntetica received investment from Bpifrance as part of France's France 2030 plan. It is also supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC). These public investments aim to strengthen Europe's industrial capabilities.
5Competition and collaboration
Syntetica faces competition from players like BASF, but CEO Marco Bertone believes all players need to succeed. Bertone says, 'Even if everyone scales to dozens of factories, we still wouldn't solve this problem.' Therefore, Syntetica focuses on industrial partnerships.
6Future plans
Syntetica aims to supply hundreds of tons of recycled nylon pellets to the textile supply chain next year. It then plans to build facilities worldwide near waste sources and textile production. This could be a significant step for sustainable fashion.