Inditex, the global fashion powerhouse and parent company of renowned brands like Zara, is making significant strides in the realm of sustainability. The retail giant has committed to investing in and sourcing recycled polyester from the innovative U.S. start-up, Ambercycle, as revealed in an exclusive document obtained by Reuters.
Amid mounting pressure on fast-fashion retailers to minimize waste and embrace eco-friendly fabrics, Inditex has allocated a substantial investment of 70 million euros to Ambercycle. This forward-looking company specializes in the production of recycled polyester derived from textile waste, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional polyester. This petroleum-based material is widely favored in sportswear for its quick-drying and durable attributes.
The strategic collaboration involves Inditex procuring a «significant» share of Ambercycle’s recycled polyester production, marketed under the brand name «cycora.» The agreement spans over three years, as outlined in the disclosed document.
Inditex has officially confirmed its partnership with Ambercycle while retaining confidentiality regarding specific details. Notably, the fashion industry leader has set ambitious sustainability goals, aiming to source 25% of its fibers from «next-generation» materials by the year 2030.
Inditex’s substantial investment is poised to play a pivotal role in the establishment of Ambercycle’s inaugural commercial-scale textile recycling facility. Expected to commence production around 2025, cycora will gradually find its way into a variety of Inditex products over the ensuing three years.
In an exciting development, Zara Athleticz, a sub-brand dedicated to men’s sportswear, is set to unveil a capsule collection this week. This collection will showcase «technical pieces» incorporating up to 50% cycora, as indicated in the document’s insights.
While some fashion brands have shifted to recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles, this practice has faced scrutiny due to its unintended consequence of driving up demand for used plastic bottles, thereby increasing prices.
Polyester recycling within the textile-to-textile sector is still in its nascent stages and will require time to reach the scale necessary to meet the demands of global fashion brands.
The agreement with Ambercycle marks Inditex’s latest venture into sustainable fashion and recycling. In the previous year, the company signed a three-year, 100 million euro ($104 million) deal to acquire a 30% stake in the recycled fiber produced by Finland’s Infinited Fiber Company. Inditex has also invested in Circ, a U.S.-based firm focused on textile-to-textile recycling.
In Spain, Inditex has forged alliances with competitors such as H&M and Mango to establish an association dedicated to the management of clothing waste. This collaboration is in preparation for forthcoming EU legislation, which will require member states to implement separate textile waste collection starting in January 2025. Inditex’s commitment to sustainability and circular fashion practices is driving positive change within the industry.