Far Eastern Group invests in Ambercycle to decarbonise fashion

Drive Catalyst, the venture capital arm of the Far Eastern Group, is investing $5m in circular polyester startup, Ambercycle, to scale textile-to-textile regeneration in the apparel industry.

Isatou Ndure November 07 2023

Virgin and recycled polyester textile maker, The Far Eastern Group, seeks to support the growth of sustainable practices within the fashion industry through its partnership with Ambercycle.

The primary focus of this initial investment is to facilitate the scaling of cycora, Ambercycle's circular polyester derived from end-of-life textile waste. This investment represents the first step in a broader initiative to develop the textile-to-textile ecosystem.

Juliana Pidner Hsu, managing director of Drive Catalyst said: “Textile-to-textile regeneration will be crucial in shifting to a fossil-free fashion industry. However, the production infrastructure must be scaled to fulfil the business requirements of large fashion brands and their customers. With Ambercycle as a partner, we can make significant strides forward."

Ambercycle notes that while circular textile solutions continue to advance, achieving broader adoption necessitates ongoing infrastructure development.

The circular polyester startup adds the establishment of a global infrastructure capable of collecting and distributing discarded textiles to facilities that can use them as feedstock for regenerated textiles is a key aspect.

In addition, the production of sustainable textiles must become more robust, offering brands and designers the diversity of yarns, fabrics, and raw materials currently available from non-recycled and fossil fuel-based sources.

Shay Sethi, co-founder and CEO of Ambercycle explained: "We have a deep conviction in circularity and the commercial viability of cycora in the highest quality applications in apparel. For circularity to scale, integration across the entire value chain is essential.

“We are looking forward to working with partners like Far Eastern Group to bring significant product and business expertise to Ambercycle's cutting-edge manufacturing innovation." 

As a strategic initiative, the partnership combines Far Eastern Group's 70 years of global polyester manufacturing experience with Ambercycle's expertise in materials innovation to promote circularity and decarbonisation in the apparel industry.

Spanish fashion conglomerate Inditex entered into a three-year partnership with Ambercycle to purchase cycora for more than €70m ($73m) last month (October).

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