Australian textile recycler Samsara Eco and activewear company Lululemon have inked a 10-year offtake deal for the sourcing of recycled raw materials.
Under the terms of this multi-year arrangement, Samsara Eco’s materials may account for over 20% of Lululemon’s total fibre portfolio and help the company move closer to producing more items using preferred materials by 2030.
This most recent announcement from Lululemon comes after the two companies have had a long working relationship. The world’s first enzymatically recycled nylon 6.6 product sample was brought to market by the athletic company and Samsara last year. Additionally, Lululemon debuted its first enzymatically recycled polyester product, a limited-edition Packable Anorak.
In terms of proportion by weight across all Lululemon products, polyester and nylon account for 33% and 31% of the brand’s primary fibres, respectively, according to the company’s most recent Impact Report for the 2023 timeframe. Third place went to cotton (19%), followed by “other” (such as elastane) (10%). Then, 6% of its goods were regenerated cellulosics, 1% were made from animals, and fewer than 1% were made of natural rubber.
The Samsara agreement is expected to alter this breakdown of material usage, with ethically sourced cotton accounting for 46% of total cotton intake and recycled polyester accounting for 61% of polyester materials in 2023—both of which will increase from a baseline of 36% in 2020.
Samsara Eco recycles polyester, including mixed plastics and fibres, in addition to nylon. It does this by using enzymes that have been created to break down plastic into its component parts, which can then be used in existing manufacturing processes to create new products.
Samsara Eco plans to open a new plant in Australia’s New South Wales shortly to aid with commercialisation efforts. This facility will enhance its designed enzyme technology, EosEcoTM, and boost manufacturing volumes. Furthermore, in 2028, Samsara Eco plans to create a global commercial plant.
