Denmark-headquartered fashion brand Ganni has agreed a deal with recycled polyester innovator Ambercycle, which will give it access to its cycora product at scale for use in garment production.
The womenswear brand has signed an “offtake agreement” to ensure a commitment to accessing cycora regenerated polyester from Ambercycle’s first commercial facility. Ganni wants to replace more than 20% of its annual virgin and bottle recycled polyester usage with this more circular alternative made from end-of-life textiles.
Ambercycle said the arrangement represents the first progressive luxury brand to integrate the innovative material at scale. Zara owner Inditex is also among the fashion businesses already working with Ambercycle.
Ambercycle and Ganni have collaborated since 2021, but this week’s deal marks a step up in their relationship. Ambercycle, which is based in Los Angeles and describes itself as a material science company, is focused on creating decarbonised and circular materials as the fashion industry looks to change how it produces and uses textiles.
Developing the cycora product diverts waste from landfills and reduces reliance on virgin resource extraction, and Ambercycle said it is “virgin-grade quality” and durable.
A 30% cycora jersey that launched in November 2023 was the first example of Ganni bringing this partnership to market, while a second colourway, made with 70% cycora, has also been released.
According to the material science company, the success of these launches laid the foundation for Ganni’s adoption of cycora at scale.
Nicolaj Reffstrup, Ganni founder, commented: “At Ganni, we’re always looking for ways to improve and take responsibility for our impact.
“Partnering with Ambercycle on an offtake agreement for cycora is a natural step in our commitment to circular, low-impact solutions. Agreements like this are vital to scaling innovative materials and reducing the fashion industry’s carbon footprint.”
He added: “There’s an urgent need to support innovators and drive long-term collaboration while holding ourselves accountable for transitioning to better material choices. We’re excited to see the impact this collaboration will have in the years ahead.”
The agreement to commit to the material early benefits the retailer in terms of its sustainability targets, but it also provides some certainty and support for Ambercycle as it looks to establish itself as an innovator of note in the recycled materials space.
Shay Sethi, co-founder & CEO of Ambercycle, remarked: “Collaboration is the cornerstone of building a circular future.
“Working with forward-thinking brands like Ganni allows us to take collective, incremental steps toward transforming the fashion system. This partnership is an example of how shared commitment and action can cultivate sustainability achievements.”
Read more about Ganni on Green Retail World
[image credit: John MacLean for Ganni]
