Lululemon Explores and Expands Applications of Bio-Based Nylon Alternatives​

​​​Lululemon has announced a multi-year partnership with California-based biotech company ZymoChem to scale its use of bio-based nylon and advance sustainable innovation. Together, Lululemon and ZymoChem will collaborate to sustainably transform key building blocks of nylon 6.6, a critical material used in many of Lululemon’s signature products, including Align and Wunder Train leggings.

The collaboration between Lululemon and ZymoChem began in 2024 with an initial investment to support ZymoChem’s development of innovative technology for producing bio-based adipic acid, a key chemical component traditionally derived from petroleum in nylon 6.6 production. The next phase of this partnership will focus on scaling ZymoChem’s technology to support the commercialization of this bio-based alternative.

"What makes ZymoChem truly unique is its breakthrough technology, which produces bio-based materials for sustainable nylon 6.6 that match the look, feel, and quality expected from our high-performance products," said Yogendra Dandapure, Vice President of Material Innovation at Lululemon. "By expanding partnerships with forward-thinking leaders like ZymoChem, we’re creating multiple pathways to transition our entire product portfolio toward sustainable materials," he added.

This collaboration builds on Lululemon’s existing partnerships with other key players in sustainable materials, including its work with sustainable material manufacturer Genomatica to expand the use of low-impact, bio-based nylon alternatives.

Additionally, last year, Lululemon partnered with Australian eco-tech startup Samsara Eco to launch the first nylon 6.6 product made through enzymatic recycling, proving the feasibility of textile-to-textile recycling. The collaboration with ZymoChem marks another step forward in Lululemon’s efforts to develop more products using preferred materials and end-of-life solutions. By combining expertise in bio-based technology and raw materials, ZymoChem and Lululemon will help create more sustainable, high-performance apparel.

"We’ve spent years refining our patented Carbon Conserving process to develop a sustainable version of nylon," said Harshal Chokhawala, Co-founder and CEO of ZymoChem. "We’re excited to deepen our collaboration with Lululemon to lay the foundation for scaling our technology globally to deliver bio-based and decarbonized nylon."

Lululemon continues to expand its network of partners while advancing renewable and recyclable innovations across multiple materials—from bio-based nylon 6 and 6.6 to textile-to-textile recycling of polyester and nylon—taking new steps toward more sustainable textiles and activewear. The partnership with ZymoChem represents another critical stride in the sportswear industry’s journey toward material sustainability. This approach of redesigning materials from the source not only demonstrates the brand’s deepening commitment to environmental responsibility but also provides innovative solutions for nylon, a material that is difficult to replace yet carries a heavy environmental burden.

By supporting science-driven companies like ZymoChem that specialize in bio-based chemistry, Lululemon is not only advancing its product sustainability but also pushing the entire industry toward a future where low-carbon and high-performance coexist. This model of technology-driven sustainable fashion is one that more brands should learn from and emulate.