Genomatica & Aquafil Expand Partnership to Revolutionize Sustainable Materials
A Milestone for Eco-Friendly Consumer Products
In a strategic move to advance sustainable manufacturing, biotech innovator Genomatica and global nylon producer Aquafil have significantly expanded their collaboration. The partners are establishing a new demonstration-scale facility to produce bio-based nylon-6—a versatile material found in everyday products from apparel to industrial fabrics.
Why This Matters for Sustainable Manufacturing
- Market Potential: The $960 billion textile industry is among the world’s top polluters, generating 1.2 billion tons of CO₂ annually (comparable to automotive emissions)
- Nylon’s Impact: Conventional nylon production contributes ~60 million tons of greenhouse gases each year
- Consumer Demand: 56% of Americans prioritize sustainability when choosing brands, according to Genomatica’s research
Scaling Up Renewable Nylon Solutions
This 50-fold production expansion builds on the companies’ successful pilot program, which yielded the first ton of bio-nylon-6 precursor earlier in 2020. The new Slovenian facility will transform Genomatica’s biological precursors into:
- Textile yarns
- Engineered plastics
- Industrial films
Strategic Advantages for Brands
“Bio-nylon can replace conventional materials in millions of applications,” explains Genomatica CEO Christophe Schilling. “This scale enables brands to meet sustainability goals while differentiating themselves in competitive markets.”
Early adopters like clothing manufacturer Far Eastern New Century already incorporate this technology, with more partnerships underway. The demonstration plant will accelerate commercial adoption by enabling supply agreements with forward-thinking brands.
The Future of Sustainable Materials
This multi-year agreement represents a critical step in decarbonizing the textile industry. By combining Genomatica’s biotechnology with Aquafil’s manufacturing expertise, the partnership demonstrates how industrial-scale bio-production can:
- Reduce reliance on fossil fuel-derived materials
- Lower carbon footprints across supply chains
- Meet growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products
As industries worldwide seek sustainable alternatives, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for renewable material innovation in consumer goods and beyond.
