Gap Inc. partners with Ambercycle to scale textile-to-textile recycled materials in Athleta products
Mar 6, 2024
Gap Inc., the parent company of Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta, has partnered with Ambercycle to leverage textile-to-textile recycled materials in Athleta products.
Established in 2015, the Los Angeles-based Ambercycle developed cycora®, a superior regenerated polyester made from discarded textiles, designed to substitute traditional polyester. From 2026 onwards, Athleta aims to adopt cycora® at scale throughout its collections.
"As a mission-driven, B Corp-certified brand, Athleta is committed to reducing our environmental footprint by using recycled materials like cycora®, which not only aligns with our values but also meets our uncompromising quality standards,” commented Chris Blakeslee, CEO of Athleta, in a statement.
Ambercycle employs a unique molecular regeneration process that transforms waste polyester into a top-tier material that matches the quality of new, virgin-grade polyester. This innovative approach not only diminishes the carbon footprint associated with production but also lessens reliance on disposing of end-of-life textiles through landfilling or incineration.
"As the demand for circular materials rises, we are delighted to collaborate with like-minded brands in the performance sector, such as Athleta. Together, we are not only creating high-quality garments but also driving forward the circular fashion movement," added Shay Sethi, CEO of Ambercycle.
Athleta's extensive use of cycora® highlights the increasing market demand for sustainable materials produced through textile-to-textile regeneration while underlining Gap Inc.'s ongoing commitment to offering innovative products while reducing its environmental footprint.
"Ambercycle's groundbreaking technology for transforming end-of-life textiles into new materials not only enables a more sustainable supply of high-performance fabrics, but it has the potential to cut waste and emissions and advance circularity at scale,” added Dan Fibiger, head of global sustainability at Gap Inc.