This collaboration will focus on sustainably modifying a crucial component of nylon 6,6, which is integral to many of Lululemon’s products like Align and Wunder Train leggings.
The two companies started their collaboration last year with Lululemon funding ZymoChem’s development of a bio-based alternative to adipic acid, a petroleum-derived key ingredient in nylon 6,6.
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Moving forward, the alliance will aim to expand ZymoChem’s technology to facilitate the production and market introduction of this bio-based substitute.
Lululemon raw materials innovation vice president Yogendra Dandapure said: “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.
“By continuing to expand our partnerships with forward-thinking leaders like ZymoChem, we’re creating multiple pathways to transition to sustainable materials across our product portfolio.”
For Lululemon, the collaboration with ZymoChem complements its existing partnerships with other sustainable material companies like Geno, which focuses on expanding lower-impact bio-based nylon alternatives.
Last year, the retailer, alongside Australian environmental tech startup Samsara Eco launched the first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 product, showcasing the feasibility of textile-to-textile recycling for this durable and complex fibre.
With the partnership with ZymoChem, Lululemon is advancing on its commitment to developing products with preferred materials and end-of-life solutions.
ZymoChem co-founder & CEO Harshal Chokhawala said: “We spent years refining our patented Carbon Conserving process with a vision to develop a sustainable version of nylon. We are thrilled to have deepened our engagement with Lululemon, setting the stage for our technologies to deliver bio-based and decarbonized nylon on a global scale.”
In December last year, Lululemon athletica reported a 9% rise in net revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 fuelled by both global and domestic growth.
