Enviro-tech innovator, Samsara Eco and leader in nylon 6,6 for apparel production, NILIT, have plans to explore investment and construction of a nylon 6,6 textile-to-textile recycled polymer production site in Southeast Asia to help close the loop on nylon 6,6.
Approximately four million tonnes of nylon 6,6 is created every year, making it one of the most widely used fibres in the performance apparel and fashion industries. However, it is notoriously difficult to recycle, and when blended with other fibres like spandex, it increases the challenge. Together, Samsara Eco and NILIT are seeking to address this issue.
Aiming to be operational by late 2026, the anticipated facility will be uniquely capable of recycling textile waste, producing high-quality recycled nylon 6,6 polymers, for textile brands and manufacturers to use in their existing supply chains to create new textile fabrics, infinitely.
Samsara Eco CEO and founder, Paul Riley said, “Our vision is to deliver climate repair through infinite recycling. One of the ways we’re achieving this is by creating the first circular pathway for nylon 6,6. Discarded clothing made from nylon 6,6 such as activewear, and even products like car interiors, typically end up in landfill or are incinerated at the end of life, which has dire consequences for our planet.”
Samsara Eco chief commercial and operations officer, Sarah Cook added, “By working with NILIT, we can reverse this trend and give apparel a new life. The MoU agreement is an important step to help brands and the world advance nylon 6,6 circularity and reduce plastic waste. We’re proud to be exploring a pilot recycling facility with NILIT, setting a precedent of what’s possible for future partners globally.”
NILIT general manager, Ilan Melamed commented, “NILIT’s partnership with Samsara Ecois a critical step in our multi-pronged strategy to provide the apparel market with premium nylon 6,6 products that have lower environmental impact.
“Implementing textile-to-textile recycling solutions will substantially decrease global carbon emissions and reduce the 92 million tonnes of textile waste added to landfills annually. Together, NILIT and Samsara Eco have the potential to produce infinitely recycled nylon 6,6 that delivers outstanding fabric quality and performance while benefitting the planet.”