Ganni’s Bold Move: A Four-Year Commitment to Cycora Signals a New Era in lasting Fashion
In a groundbreaking step toward a more sustainable future, Danish fashion powerhouse Ganni has signed a four-year offtake agreement with ambercycle, teh LA-based startup behind Cycora, a revolutionary recycled polyester material. This deal, which commits Ganni to purchasing Cycora before its production, underscores the brand’s dedication to pioneering next-generation materials and reducing its environmental footprint.
The Game-Changer: Cycora’s Textile-to-Textile Innovation
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Unlike traditional recycled polyester, which is frequently enough sourced from plastic bottles, Cycora is crafted from post-consumer and post-industrial polyester textile waste.Ganni has chosen to exclusively use Cycora derived from post-consumer waste, further amplifying its commitment to circularity. Ambercycle’s proprietary technology uses chemicals to separate polyester molecules, transforming them into resin and then yarn. This process not only maintains the material’s quality over time but also allows for the separation of polyester from blended fibers—a feat that has long eluded the textile recycling industry.
“We believe Cycora has the potential to ‘change the game’ when it comes to textile-to-textile recycling,” says Nicolaj Reffstrup, Ganni’s co-founder. “This is a critical step toward a more circular future.”
A Strategic Partnership with Far-Reaching Impact
Ganni’s partnership with Ambercycle began in 2021, culminating in the launch of a 30% Cycora jersey in 2023, followed by a 70% Cycora version in a different colorway. The brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 show at Paris Fashion Week showcased a lime green football jersey made from 70% Cycora, a standout piece in its Fabrics of the Future initiative.
“Securing this agreement is critical for us,” Reffstrup emphasizes. “There is a real risk that without proactive action, we could face challenges in accessing these innovations as demand increases globally. This offtake ensures that we can remain at the forefront of next-gen material adoption.”
The Challenges of Scaling material Innovation
One of the biggest hurdles for material innovation startups like Ambercycle is securing commitments from brands. Without these agreements, startups frequently enough struggle to attract the capital needed for production and scaling. offtake agreements, while not risk-free, provide a crucial lifeline. For instance, Renewcell, a Swedish textile-to-textile recycling startup, faced bankruptcy after some brands failed to honor their commitments.Ganni, which piloted products using Renewcell’s Circulose, remains optimistic about the potential of such innovations under new leadership and investment.
Key Takeaways: Ganni’s Commitment to Sustainability
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Material | Cycora, a recycled polyester made from post-consumer textile waste |
| Technology | Chemical separation of polyester molecules to maintain quality |
| Partnerships | Ambercycle, Inditex, arc’teryx, Reformation, Gap Athleta |
| Initiative | Fabrics of the Future, aiming for 10% next-gen materials by 2025 |
| Showcase | Spring/Summer 2025 Paris Fashion Week, featuring 70% Cycora football jersey |
A Call to Action for the Fashion Industry
Ganni’s bold move highlights the importance of brand commitments in driving material innovation. As Reffstrup notes, “Next-generation alternatives like fibre-to-fibre recycling represent the future of materials used in the fashion industry.” By embracing offtake agreements and investing in cutting-edge solutions, brands can play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and circular future.
For more insights into ganni’s journey and its Paris Fashion Week showcase, visit Vogue Business.To learn about the challenges of scaling next-gen materials, explore The Roller Coaster of Scaling a Next-Gen Materials Startup.
Ganni’s partnership with Ambercycle is more than just a business deal—it’s a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in transforming the fashion industry.
Headline:
Revolution in Fashion: Interview wiht Nicolaj Reffstrup on Ganni’s Four-Year Commitment to Cycora
Introduction:
In a significant stride toward sustainable fashion, Danish powerhouse Ganni has secured a four-year offtake agreement with Ambercycle, the innovator behind Cycora, a recycled polyester manufactured from post-consumer textile waste. We sat down with Nicolaj Reffstrup,Ganni’s co-founder,to discuss this groundbreaking partnership and its impact on the future of fashion.
The Game-Changer: Cycora’s Textile-to-Textile Innovation
World-Today-News.com (WTN): Nicolaj, what makes cycora stand out from othre recycled polyester materials?
Nicolaj Reffstrup (NR): Cycora is truly revolutionary because it’s created from post-consumer and post-industrial polyester textile waste, not plastic bottles, as is often the case. Moreover, Ambercycle’s process allows for the separation of polyester from blended fibers, which has been a challenge for the industry. This ensures the quality of the material is maintained over time.
WTN: How does Ganni’s use of Cycora contribute to circularity?
NR: By exclusively using Cycora derived from post-consumer waste, we’re furthering our commitment to circular fashion. This process could perhaps close the loop in textile waste, benefiting both the environment and the industry.
A Strategic Partnership with Far-Reaching Impact
WTN: Tell us about Ganni’s partnership with Ambercycle and its evolution over time.
NR: Our collaboration began in 2021, leading to the launch of a 30% Cycora jersey in 2023 and a 70% Cycora version later the same year. Our Spring/Summer 2025 show at Paris Fashion Week will feature a lime green football jersey made from 70% Cycora, a highlight of our Fabrics of the Future initiative.
WTN: What made Ganni pursue this four-year offtake agreement?
NR: securing this agreement is critical for us. There’s a real risk that without proactive action, we could face challenges in accessing these innovations as demand increases globally.This offtake ensures we remain at the forefront of next-gen material adoption.
WTN: As a leading fashion brand, what would you like to see the industry do to support material innovations like Cycora?
NR: Other brands should follow suit and embrace offtake agreements. Investing in cutting-edge solutions like Cycora could shape a more sustainable and circular future for our industry. collaboration and commitment are key.
Read more about Ganni’s journey and its Paris Fashion Week showcase on Vogue Business.
For insights into the challenges of scaling next-gen materials, explore The Roller Coaster of scaling a Next-Gen Materials Startup on Vogue Business.
