Eastman, a leading specialty materials company and producer of Naia™ cellulosic fibers, has announced a strategic partnership with Debrand, a logistics company known for sustainable apparel waste solutions. This collaboration aims to tackle the issue of textile waste by leveraging Eastman's advanced molecular recycling technology.

Eastman, in collaboration with Debrand for waste collection, plans to recycle 5,000 pounds of pre- and post-consumer apparel waste. The molecular recycling process breaks down the waste into its molecular components, which are then used to create Naia™ Renew fibers. These circular fibers consist of 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% recycled waste material, certified by the Global Recycled Standard.

"We are committed to advancing sustainable solutions for the fashion industry," said Claudia de Witte, Eastman's textiles sustainability leader. "Partnering with Debrand allows us to drive progress on our Naia™ sustainability goals, particularly to mainstream circularity by creating sustainable solutions for textiles that have reached end of life and turning them into valuable resources for new Naia™ Renew fibers."

This collaboration highlights the potential of molecular recycling technology to address the textile waste crisis by offering circular solutions. Debrand, which recently received a strategic investment from Waste Management to enhance circular solutions across the U.S. and Canada, is excited about this innovative pilot project.

“We are excited to collaborate with Eastman on this innovative pilot project and create building blocks toward valuable systems of sustainability,” said Lina G. Londono, vice president of sustainability at Debrand. "This project was designed to offer scalability and accessibility for other brands that would want to participate in the future."