lululemon and Australian biotech company Samsara Eco have announced a 10-year offtake agreement that will see the activewear brand source a significant portion of its recycled raw materials from Samsara Eco. The deal is designed to accelerate lululemon’s move towards a more circular business model and could provide up to 20% of its total fibre portfolio by 2030.

The agreement follows a successful collaboration between the two companies, which resulted in the development of the world’s first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 sample and the launch of lululemon’s limited-edition Packable Anorak made from enzymatically recycled polyester. These innovations maintain the technical performance and aesthetics associated with lululemon products while using fully recycled materials.

“Scaling circular materials requires bold partnerships and a shared commitment to rethinking how our industry operates,” said Ted Dagnese, Chief Supply Chain Officer at lululemon. “As we work toward our 2030 impact goals, we’re taking a diversified approach—investing in multiple partnerships to advance solutions and help reduce our reliance on fossil-fuel derived resources.”

Polyester and nylon are two of the most commonly used fibres in the textile industry, representing around 60% of global fibre production. Samsara Eco has pioneered the use of engineered enzymes to break down these materials, including mixed fibres and plastics, into their original molecular building blocks. These can then be reconstituted into new materials suitable for use in existing manufacturing processes.

Paul Riley, Founder and CEO of Samsara Eco, said: “Our expanded partnership with lululemon represents a strong step forward to help create a fully circular ecosystem and further highlights the industry’s commitment to transition to more circular materials. The technology to make circular materials is not a pipe dream—it is here, ready for adoption by forward-thinking companies.”

To support the scale-up of its enzymatic recycling technology, known as EosEco™, Samsara Eco is preparing to open a new production plant in Jerrabomberra, New South Wales. An international commercial facility is also scheduled to open in 2028 to help meet growing demand.

www.samsaraeco.com