#USA #Infinium #Sacramento #Borealis #Fullstride

Introduction

The fashion industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of sustainable materials that not only meet consumer demands but also help in reducing environmental footprints. A prominent innovation in this direction is the carboncup™, developed by Fullstride Ventures, in collaboration with Borealis and Infinium. The carboncup™ is made from high-performance foam derived from waste carbon dioxide (CO₂), symbolizing a major advancement in circularity within the apparel sector.

The Innovation Process

The creation of this sustainable foam follows a multi-step process that begins with capturing waste CO₂ emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Infinium employs a proprietary technology to convert this captured CO₂ into eNaphtha, a low-carbon alternative to traditional fossil-based naphtha. This transformation plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions associated with conventional plastic production.

Once the eNaphtha is produced, Borealis utilizes it to polymerize into polyethylene, the essential raw material needed for foam production. This innovative approach not only creates sustainable, high-performance materials but is also compatible with existing manufacturing and recycling infrastructures, fulfilling the stringent standards required for intimate apparel.

The carboncup™ and Its Advantages

Fullstride's carboncup™ is a pioneer product resulting from this collaborative effort. It incorporates foam that maintains the same level of comfort, breathability, and durability found in traditional foam materials, yet boasts a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to 100% fossil-based polyurethane pads. Yossi Nasser, CEO of Fullstride, highlights the dual benefit of this innovation: "It not only diverts carbon from the atmosphere but also minimizes reliance on finite fossil resources, marking a significant leap towards sustainable fashion."

Decarbonizing the Industry

In the path to sustainability, Infinium stands out as a front-runner by supplying commercial volumes of eNaphtha, which facilitates an additional avenue for decarbonizing plastic production. Their Project Pathfinder facility, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, is proudly ISCC PLUS certified, ensuring that the sustainably produced feedstock is traceable throughout the supply chain.

Robert Schuetzle, CEO of Infinium, emphasizes the potential of their work by stating, "Together with Fullstride and Borealis, we're reimagining what carbon can be. By enabling Borealis to produce next-generation plastics with a significantly lower carbon footprint, we are propelling entire industries toward a cleaner future."

Collaboration and Circular Economy

The partnership between Borealis and Infinium began in August 2024, laying the groundwork for several exciting projects aimed at utilizing Infinium's eNaphtha in producing low-carbon plastics derived from captured CO₂. The launch of the carboncup™ is a prime example of how collaboration across the value chain can unlock innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions and furthering sustainability in the apparel sector.

Dirk Langhammer, VP of Circular Economy Solutions, commented on the importance of this collaboration, stating, "This endeavor showcases the immense potential of innovation in developing circular solutions for delicate applications in the fashion industry. Transforming atmospheric carbon into high-quality polymers for intimate apparel reflects our customers' desires for sustainable living."

Upcoming Events

Samples of the carboncup™ will be showcased at the K Show 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 8 to 15, at Hall 6, Stand A43. This event represents an opportunity for industry professionals to witness firsthand the potential of sustainable materials in fashion.

Conclusion

The revolution of sustainable materials in fashion exemplifies a progressive shift towards lessening environmental impact while meeting modern consumer needs. The innovation demonstrated by Borealis, Infinium, and Fullstride Ventures in developing high-performance foam made from captured CO₂ signifies a pivotal moment toward a truly sustainable fashion industry. As more companies adopt similar practices, the movement toward a circular economy will continue to gain momentum, inspiring further breakthroughs in eco-friendly solutions across various sectors.