Protein Evolution debuted the parka garment that was designed by Stella McCartney and created using the recycling company’s Biopure technology at COP28.
Protein Evolution created the parka by transforming rigid packaging and industrial textile waste into textile-grade polyester. The polyester was then spun into yarn and woven into new fabric by Stella McCartney's team.
Protein Evolution's Biopure technology uses AI-designed enzymes to break down polyester waste into raw materials, creating a polyester indistinguishable from petroleum-derived counterparts.
The resulting polyester claims to be infinitely recyclable, boasting a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional petroleum-based polyester.
Capable of handling various waste streams, from plastic bottles to industrial textiles, Biopure claims to offer a sustainable solution across multiple sectors.
Connor Lynn, co-founder and chief business officer of Protein Evolution commented: “Not only is this coat validation for the utility and quality of bio-recycled polyester – specifically polyester chips created using Biopure – it also offers companies an alternative to the landfill or incinerator for their fabrics, extending the life of their materials indefinitely.”
Protein Evolution’s initial fundraising round was led by Collaborative Fund’s climate-focused Collab SOS, which is in partnership with Stella McCartney and LVMH.
Stella McCartney was an early investor in Protein Evolution through its SOS Fund, and it’s reported the partnership has achieved a breakthrough in less than a year, turning unused polyester fabrics into virgin-quality polyester and piloting a circular solution for the fashion industry.
Stella McCartney, who founded the Stella McCartney brand said: “Over the last year, Protein Evolution has taken unused fabrics from my past collections to test and prove their textile-to-textile circular process. This allowed my atelier to design and create the beautiful, airy parachute parkas made from biologically recycled polyester that you can see today at our Sustainable Market at COP28.”
The parka is on display at COP28 at the Stella McCartney sustainable fashion exhibit through 12 December 2023.
Protein Evolution has claimed it is the “only company in the world” to validate bio-recycling technology through a garment that can be integrated into the existing supply chain, positioning it as a real solution to decarbonise plastic production and address the plastic waste crisis.
Sophie Bakalar, Collaborative Fund partner, commended Protein Evolution's achievements and said: “Protein Evolution’s technology delivers a cost-effective, high-quality way to combat plastic waste and create a truly circular product, not only in fashion but across industries.”
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