Lululemon drops new plant-based nylon shirts, sustainable and stylish

Lululemon has taken a major step towards sustainability with its first-ever plant-based nylon shirts made from renewable sources. The activewear giant partnered with sustainable materials firm Genomatica to develop the innovative material, which uses fermentation and biotechnology to transform plant-based sugars into the chemical building blocks of nylon. The shirts are not only eco-friendly, but also stylish and affordable, with prices comparable to traditional fabrics.

Lululemon, the trendy activewear company, has just released its first-ever plant-based nylon items in an effort to provide customers with a more eco-friendly alternative. The company partnered with Genomatica, Inc., a sustainable materials provider, to develop a new type of nylon that is made from plant sugars instead of petroleum, which is known to be a contributor to climate change. The shirts are composed of 50% nylon from biological sources, 40% recycled polyester, and 3% elastane, and are priced at $68 for women and $78 for men. The new plant-based nylon shirts come in two styles: the “Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve” for women and the “Nylon Metal Vent” for men.

According to Esther Speck, Lululemon's Senior Vice President for Global Sustainable Business and Impact, the company has been working on plant-based nylon with Genomatica for nearly two years. The shirts are made through fermentation and biotechnology, which convert plant-based materials into the building blocks of nylon. This process makes the new plant-based nylon shirts more eco-friendly and sustainable compared to traditional nylon shirts, which are made from fossil fuels known to worsen global warming.

“We are excited to bring to life a renewable, plant-based nylon,” said Christophe Schilling, the founder of Genomatica. "Biotechnology has successfully fermented plant sugars into the chemical building blocks used to make nylon, bringing to life a renewable, plant-based nylon."

Lululemon’s new plant-based nylon shirts are part of the company's commitment to sustainability, with a goal to become completely sustainable by 2030. The garment industry is known to be one of the most pollutive industries in the world, responsible for an estimated 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is why the company is continuously innovating and looking for ways to make their products more sustainable.

Lululemon’s latest move is just one of many in the fashion industry to create a more eco-friendly future. Many other brands are also beginning to create environmentally conscious clothing, with more sustainable materials and production methods.

According to Lucy Siegle, a journalist and author who specializes in sustainable fashion, "The idea of plant-based nylon offers another route, another type of feedstock, so you're not reliant on petroleum-based feedstocks that are finite and polluting."

With Lululemon's innovative partnership with Genomatica, the company is leading the charge towards a more sustainable future in the fashion industry. As Speck stated, "We are always looking for new ways to innovate, and this collaboration has allowed us to push the boundaries on what’s possible in our industry."

The plant-based nylon shirts have already garnered attention and interest from customers. One customer, Emma T., said, "I love Lululemon's new plant-based nylon shirts. Not only are they stylish and comfortable, but they also make me feel like I'm doing my part for the environment."

Overall, Lululemon’s new plant-based nylon shirts are a step forward in the fashion industry's pursuit of sustainability. The new material provides customers with a stylish and eco-friendly alternative to traditional clothing made from fossil fuels. The company is committed to continue to find ways to make their business more sustainable, while also providing customers with the same high-quality products they know and love.

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