Lululemon has invested in the $30 million Series A round raised by Syntetica, a French startup that has developed a groundbreaking approach to recycling nylon. The investment is part of Syntetica’s efforts to scale its technology and demonstrate its ability to produce hundreds of tons of recyclable pellets per year.
Syntetica’s CEO, Marco Bertone, told TechCrunch that the company has built a commercial demonstration facility in Clermont-Ferrand, France, with the help of Michelin’s Center for Sustainable Materials. This facility will enable Syntetica to produce recyclable nylon pellets that can be used by other companies to make yarn.
The startup’s focus is on recycling two types of nylon – Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 – which are commonly used in clothing but difficult to recycle due to their properties. Bertone believes that Syntetica’s technology has the potential to address a significant problem in the fashion industry, where tons of clothing end up in landfills each year.
Lululemon is not the only investor in Syntetica; the startup also received funding from MAS Holdings, a large apparel manufacturer. This investment is unusual for a supply chain actor and reflects the significance of the problem that Syntetica is trying to solve.
Syntetica’s approach is pragmatic and focused on building partnerships with other companies in the value chain. Unlike some other startups in its field, Syntetica will not produce textiles itself but rather provide recyclable pellets to other manufacturers. This approach has been successful so far, with Syntetica already partnering with brands like Victoria’s Secret and Etam.
The startup has a global ambition and plans to build facilities around the world close to waste sources and textile production. It has received support from public investors, including the Ecotechnologies 2 fund managed by Bpifrance, as well as private investors such as EQT Ventures and SWEN Capital Partners.
Syntetica is not alone in its efforts to develop sustainable nylon recycling solutions; there are other startups and companies working on this problem. However, Bertone believes that everyone needs to succeed for the industry to make progress.
**The Problem with Nylon Recycling**
Nylon is a popular material used in clothing due to its durability and flexibility. However, it is also one of the most difficult materials to recycle. The two types of nylon – Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 – are commonly used in clothing but have properties that make them hard to break down.
**Syntetica’s Solution**
Syntetica has developed a novel approach to recycling nylon that focuses on building partnerships with other companies in the value chain. The startup will not produce textiles itself but rather provide recyclable pellets to other manufacturers. This approach has been successful so far, with Syntetica already partnering with brands like Victoria’s Secret and Etam.
**Global Ambition**
The startup has a global ambition and plans to build facilities around the world close to waste sources and textile production. It has received support from public investors, including the Ecotechnologies 2 fund managed by Bpifrance, as well as private investors such as EQT Ventures and SWEN Capital Partners.
**Conclusion**
Syntetica’s approach to recycling nylon is a significant step forward in addressing the problem of waste in the fashion industry. The startup’s focus on building partnerships with other companies in the value chain has been successful so far, and its global ambition will help it make progress in this area.
**Tags:**
- Lululemon
- Syntetica
- Nylon recycling
- Sustainable materials
- Fashion industry
- Waste management
Source: Original article