French startup Syntetica has secured $30 million in a Series A funding round led by activewear company Lululemon. The company, which specializes in recycling Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6, intends to use the capital to scale its pellet production capabilities and establish commercial facilities to supply sustainable materials to the global apparel supply chain.
Syntetica’s Approach to Nylon 6 and 6,6 Recycling
Syntetica focuses on the recycling of Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6, two materials that are frequently difficult to separate from textile waste collected from consumers. CEO Marco Bertone noted that these materials are often challenging to reuse despite their prevalence in the fashion industry.
Unlike other startups in the sector, Syntetica does not produce textiles directly. Instead, the company manufactures pellets that can be used by other suppliers to create yarn for apparel brands.
The startup has adopted a strategy focused on cost competitiveness and scalability. By avoiding a reliance on a “green premium,” the company aims to integrate its materials into the existing apparel supply chain.
This pragmatic industrial approach is supported by partnerships with brands including Lululemon, Victoria’s Secret, and Etam, with a recycling project expected to reach the market early next year.
Strategic Investors and Industrial Partnerships
The Series A round included participation from MAS Holdings, a large apparel manufacturer. This investment highlights the growing concern regarding textile waste within the supply chain.
Additionally, the round was led by the Ecotechnologies 2 fund, managed by the Green Venture team at Bpifrance, as part of the France 2030 plan. Other investors include EQT Ventures, SWEN Capital Partners, and various family offices.
Syntetica has also established a partnership with Michelin’s Center for Sustainable Materials. This collaboration is designed to create a commercial demonstration facility in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
The startup has received further support from the European Innovation Council through both equity and grants, as well as its acceleration program.
Addressing Market Volatility and Sustainability
Geopolitical instability in the oil industry has caused significant price volatility for petrol-sourced nylon, leading to frequent price renegotiations for brands. This market pressure has acted as a catalyst for fashion companies to explore more circular alternatives.
For Syntetica, this environment underscores the demand for sustainable materials that can provide stability to the apparel industry.
The company is currently prioritizing the production of hundreds of tons of pellets annually. While Syntetica has the potential to eventually expand into other materials or industries, it is focusing its current resources on delivering its primary product to the clothing supply chain.
Future plans include building facilities globally, positioned near both waste sources and textile production hubs.
Industry Significance and Future Outlook
The investment from Lululemon and other industry stakeholders reflects a broader effort to strengthen industrial capabilities and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
By focusing on the recycling of nylon, Syntetica aims to address the issue of clothing waste ending up in landfills.
The company’s leadership emphasizes that the success of multiple players in the recycling sector is necessary to effectively manage the scale of textile waste globally.
