Eastman has announced a partnership with Patagonia to address textile waste. The outdoor apparel company teamed up with Eastman to recycle 8000 pounds of pre-and post-consumer clothing waste, which Eastman processed through its molecular recycling technology. The process involves breaking down Patagonia’s unusable apparel into molecular building blocks that Eastman can use to make new Naia Renew fibres.

"We know apparel waste is a major problem, and consumers increasingly want better, more sustainable solutions when their most loved clothing reaches the end of its life,” said Natalie Banakis, materials innovation engineer for Patagonia.

“Our collaborations show the world what’s possible when it comes to sustainability,” added Carolina Sister Cohn, global marketing lead for Eastman textiles. “We have the technology to make the textiles industry circular, and we know it requires collaboration with innovative brands to make circular fashion possible. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to more collaborations throughout 2024.”

Naia Renew cellulosic fibre has received the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, which validates Naia Renew’s certified recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions.  

The video below explains how Naia Renew fibres are made from waste…

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability.

The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables.

As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2022 revenue of approximately $10.6 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.

www.eastman.com