Lululemon has inked a multi-year agreement with ZymoChem to expand its use of bio-based nylon, according to a press release last week.
The deal expands the athleticwear giant’s previous relationship with ZymoChem.
Lululemon participated in a $21 million Series A funding round for ZymoChem last year, along with Toyota Ventures. That partnership involved an investment to create a bio-based version of adipic acid, which is traditionally made from petroleum, and is a key component used in developing nylon 6,6, per the release.
Lululemon is making a minority investment in ZymoChem that will help scale and commercialize ZymoChem’s tech, according to a company spokesperson. Financial details weren't disclosed.
In the release, Yogendra Dandapure, vice president of raw materials for Lululemon, said the nylon 6,6 created with ZymoChem’s adipic acid can be used to make products with “the same look, feel and quality” as existing Lululemon’s pieces. Nylon 6,6 is used in some of the company’s most popular products, including its Align and Wunder Train leggings.
“By continuing to expand our partnerships with forward-thinking leaders like ZymoChem, we’re creating multiple pathways to transition to sustainable materials across our product portfolio,” Dandapure said.
Earlier this year, California-based ZymoChem announced it had achieved commercial-scale production of Bayse, a bio-based and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer.
The multi-year deal with ZymoChem is in addition to Lululemon’s other partnerships in the alternative materials space, including with sustainable chemical technology company Geno and biotech firm Samsara Eco. The partnership with Samsara involved the launch of a packable anorak in 2024, which was Lululemon’s first product made with enzymatically recycled polyester. The partnership with Geno is focused on products made using plant-based nylon.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with information from a Lululemon spokesperson and clarify the use of Nylon 6,6.
