TRENTO – Aquafil, an Italian producer of polyamide in Italy, is spearheading a new initiative aimed at increasing the amount of sustainable fibres, with an early goal being the industrial production of bio-based nylon. Apparel brands H&M and Vaude are also part of the project, which sees Aquafil collaborating with bioengineering business Genomatica, to explore options for using renewable feedstock and bio-based technologies.
‘Project Effective’ is a pioneering initiative involving stakeholders’ in eight countries, including leaders in renewable feedstock, conversion technologies, makers of intermediate and finished products, major consumer brands and recycling technologies.
Participants include Aquafil, Genomatica, H&M, Carvico, Vaude, Balsan, Circular Change, Life Cycle Engineering, Bio-Mi, Südzucker, Fundación CIRCE, and Novamont.
The initiative is part funded via the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme.
The aim is develop a better understand what monomers, polymers and sustainability initiatives are commercially available, enabling brands to develop more effective plans with suppliers regarding bio-based ingredients and materials.
“This consortium is an important step toward a more circular economy,” said Giulio Bonazzi, chairman and CEO of Aquafil. “Together we will drive new waves of healthy industrialisation, economic growth, and greater sustainability – better than we can individually.”
“More renewables in product value chains means more impact,” said Christophe Schilling, CEO of Genomatica. “More and more manufacturers and brands get it; more and more are taking action. We look forward to rapidly expanding the circle of action.”
