Activewear giant Lululemon has invested $30 million in Syntetica, a French startup pioneering nylon recycling. With billions of tons of clothing ending up in landfills each year, brands see an opportunity to reduce waste and costs by repurposing discarded nylon garments.

Syntetica's CEO Marco Bertone explains that the company can recycle two types of nylon that are hard to sort separately, making their process both innovative and practical. The startup has already attracted partnerships from major brands like Lululemon, Victoria’s Secret and Etam, with plans for a recycling project launched next year.

Bertone argues that scaling sustainable solutions requires cost-effectiveness and industrial partnerships. He believes Syntetica’s approach of producing pellets rather than fabric itself is key to its success. The startup has also secured support from public funds and private investors as part of France's broader plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

However, while investments in recycling are a step forward, the real challenge lies in scaling up these initiatives globally. Bertone hopes that multiple players will succeed, rather than one company monopolizing the market.