Lululemon bets Epoch Biodesign can eat its shorts, literally

Epoch Biodesign, led by founder and CEO Jacob Nathan, has developed an innovative enzymatic process to break down plastic waste—specifically nylon 6,6 textiles—into monomers, the fundamental building blocks for new plastics. Unlike traditional methods reliant on petroleum, Epoch uses enzymes sourced from industrial suppliers to depolymerize pre- and post-consumer plastic waste with over 90% efficiency, leaving only dyes as residuals. This approach offers a more stable and sustainable feedstock compared to the volatile fossil fuel market, positioning textile waste as a valuable raw material akin to barrels of oil. The timing of Epoch’s technology is particularly advantageous given recent sharp increases in the prices of nylon precursors. The company’s method decouples material production from fossil carbon extraction and price fluctuations, appealing to investors including apparel giant Lululemon, which contributed to a $12 million funding round. These funds will support a demonstration-scale facility near Imperial College London, with plans for a commercial-scale plant by