Lululemon Athletica inc. announced a multi-year collaboration with Genomatica to bring renewably sourced, bio-based materials into lululemon’s products. Genomatica is a sustainable materials leader in the world. Genomatica is harnessing biology to remake everyday products and materials built by and for the planet. The company is developing and scaling sustainable materials derived from plant- or waste-based feedstocks instead of fossil fuels to help brands deliver on their climate goals and our planet’s needs. Genomatica has already commercialized sustainable materials used in plastics, spandex, and cosmetics and is working on plant-based nylon, household cleaners, and more.
The collaboration represents lululemon’s first-ever equity investment in a sustainable materials company and Genomatica’s largest partnership within the retail industry. The two companies will create lower-impact, plant-based nylon to replace conventional nylon, the largest volume of synthetic material currently used to make lululemon products.
Calvin McDonald, CEO of lululemon, said, “Our partnership with and investment in Genomatica demonstrates our commitment to being a leader in creating products that help build a healthier future for ourselves, for our communities, and for our planet. Genomatica’s bio-based innovations, along with their distinctive track record of successful commercial applications, will help us deliver on our Impact Agenda goals to make 100% of our products with sustainable materials and end-of-use solutions by 2030, as we move toward a circular ecosystem.”
