#United States #Seattle #Ambercycle #cycora #REI Co-op

REI Co-op and Ambercycle's Bold Commitment to Sustainability

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability in the outdoor apparel sector, REI Co-op has officially partnered with Ambercycle, a leader in molecular regeneration, through a three-year offtake agreement. This collaboration is aimed at scaling up production of cycora®, a regenerated polyester that promises to reduce the environmental impact of outdoor gear and minimize reliance on virgin resources.

The agreement represents a significant step in the ongoing battle against textile waste, a major issue within the fashion industry, which generates over 92 million tons of waste annually. Polyester, being the primary material for many outdoor products, makes up about 57% of global fiber production, with a significant portion still derived from fossil fuels. Now, thanks to this partnership, REI aims to change the narrative.

Advancing Environmental Goals

REI is uniquely positioned as the nation's largest consumer co-op and a leading specialty outdoor retailer, serving a community of 25 million members. The co-op has committed to incorporating more sustainable materials in its products, and the collaboration with Ambercycle is a pivotal part of that journey. Many of REI's own Co-op brand products—like the Magma Sleeping Bag and the XeroCloud Rain Jacket—already incorporate polyester, underscoring the potential for cycora® to enhance the sustainability of these items.

The partnership aligns with REI's goals to boost the use of recycled materials, where since 2020, the co-op has increased its use of recycled polyester fivefold. As of 2024, more than 50% of the polyester in REI Co-op brand products is sourced from recycled materials. By collaborating with Ambercycle, REI aims to further this success and is committed to creating products that not only perform exceptionally but also contribute to environmental sustainability.

Closing the Loop on Textile Production

According to Ajay Chadha, REI's Director of Materials Innovation, next-generation materials like cycora® are essential for the brand's quest for decarbonization within the gear industry. The phased plan for integration will begin with priority items where performance is critical and expand to other categories as supply grows. This systematic approach ensures that REI can sustainably transition to lower-carbon materials.

Adding to this initiative, Ambercycle is dedicated to increasing its molecular regeneration capacity to recover end-of-life textiles and reintegrate them into the fabric supply chain. This strategy lays the groundwork for a continuous loop of material recycling, reducing waste and focusing on circular solutions.

REI's Broader Influence

REI's role goes beyond its own brand; as a co-op, it unites a thousand outdoor brands and millions of outdoor enthusiasts, all driven by a shared vision for sustainability. Shay Sethi, the CEO of Ambercycle, noted that REI's influence in the industry is crucial for setting new standards for outdoor materials. By integrating cycora®, REI is setting a benchmark for performance gear while proofing that sustainability and high performance can coexist harmoniously.

This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration within the industry in the fight against climate change. As outdoor enthusiasts and consumers become increasingly aware of their environmental footprint, companies like REI are leading the way by incorporating low-carbon solutions into their offerings. With the influence of REI and the innovative technology from Ambercycle, the future of outdoor apparel looks not only more sustainable but also more innovative and accessible for everyone.

Overall, the partnership between REI Co-op and Ambercycle represents a significant milestone in the outdoor gear industry. By focusing on sustainability and striving to close the loop on textile production, these two organizations are paving the way for a better future in outdoor apparel that reflects both performance and ecological responsibility.