- Lululemon has begun selling shirts made in part from bio-based nylon instead of petrochemical raw materials.
- The shirts contain at least 50% organic nylon, 40% recycled polyester and 3% elastane.
- It is part of Lululemon’s sustainability strategy, which seeks to make 100% of its products with sustainable materials by 2030.
The brand lululemon has started to sell shirts made in part from nylon created from plant sources, in replacement of raw materials that come from the petrochemical industry.
This is confirmed this Tuesday, April 18, by the American company.
The shirts are the result of an agreement that was born two years ago when Lululemon invested in the biotechnology company Geno.
The jerseys are made with at least 50 percent bio-based nylon, at least 40 percent recycled polyester, and 3 percent spandex (which itself is made with 30 percent plant-based content).
The t-shirts, which cost the same as conventional versions, are part of Lululemon’s goal to make 100 percent of its items from sustainable materials by 2030.
To achieve this, the company has signed agreements with several other companies that use innovative and sustainable manufacturing methods.
For instance, early last year, Lululemon launched a yoga mat and duffel bag made from mushroom mycelium-based leather. The fungus works as an alternative to leather of animal origin.
Lululemon’s Strategy
For some years now, Lululemon has been causing a sensation in the industry with its innovative marketing strategy that prioritizes sustainability and environmental protection.
With a commitment to protecting the planet and a focus on partnerships with other like-minded companies, Lululemon is setting an example of sustainable business practices.
Lululemon’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond product associations.
In addition, the brand has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon emissions, such as investing in renewable energy sources and optimizing its supply chain to minimize transportation-related emissions.
The company also encourages its customers to recycle their old Lululemon products through its “Take Back Program,” that offers gift cards in exchange for old items, which are then recycled or reused.
Lululemon’s sustainability effort has its explanation: 68 percent of consumers consider a company’s environmental impact when making purchasing decisions, and 47 percent are willing to pay more for sustainable products, says a 2022 study released by the brand.
Lululemon knows it’s in a growing segment with no ceiling: The global apparel market is projected to reach $547 billion by 2024, with key competitors like Nike, Adidas, Under Armor and Athleta.
How Lululemon’s Nylon T-Shirts Are Made
Typically, nylon is made from elements that come from fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and crude oil.
In particular, adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine are used, which have a high impact on the environment.
The problem is that the conventional manufacturing process for adipic acid releases nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that can be 250 times more polluting than carbon dioxide.
It is estimated that about 10 percent of all human-associated nitrous oxide emissions come from that single industrial process to produce adipic acid, publishes CSBC.
In this case, Geno uses biological microorganisms instead of chemicals derived from fossil fuels for the new Lululemon t-shirts.
The novel biomanufacturing process uses fermentation to create the same nylon precursor ingredient, the companies said.
The brand calculates that bio-nylon contaminates 50 percent less.
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