This agreement aims to support Ambercycle’s production scale-up of next-generation polyester and to advance REI’s efforts to use lower-carbon materials in its outdoor product lines.
According to Ambercycle’s cycora website, this polyester is made by breaking down textile waste at the molecular level, processing it, and converting it into new fibres for use in the fashion industry.
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Under the agreement, REI Co-op Brands will integrate cycora into priority performance categories before expanding usage to a broader range of products as more supply becomes available.
REI Co-op brands materials innovation director, Ajay Chadha, said: “At REI, we see next-generation materials as critical to building a decarbonised future for outdoor gear. As we work towards our 2030 goals, REI Co-op Brands is investing in science-driven solutions like textile-to-textile recycling to cut emissions at the feedstock level and reduce reliance on virgin polyester.
“This is one of the initiatives that reflects our long-term commitment to scaling low-carbon materials and delivering real impact for our members and the broader industry.”
Current industry figures show that polyester accounts for nearly 57% of total global fibre production and is most often sourced from fossil fuels.
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By GlobalDataAccording to the UN Environment Programme, the fashion industry is responsible for more than 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year. Much of this ends up either in a landfill or is incinerated, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion.
Through its partnership with Ambercycle, REI plans to continue incorporating low-carbon materials into its products as part of its wider efforts to reduce environmental impact.
REI has already incorporated polyester in several popular products, including the Magma Sleeping Bag and Road Tripper Duffel Bag.
Since 2020, the speciality outdoor retailer is said to have increased fivefold the proportion of recycled polyester used in its private label goods. As of 2024, over half of all polyester in these REI Co-op brand products is sourced from recycled materials.
Beyond its brand offerings, REI engages more than a thousand partner brands through its Product Impact Standards.
Ambercycle is also expanding its capacity for molecular regeneration processes to recover end-of-life textiles and return them to the supply chain.
Ambercycle CEO and co-founder Shay Sethi said: “REI’s influence extends far beyond its own brand — as a co-op, it brings together a thousand outdoor brands and millions of members under one vision. That makes them a uniquely powerful partner in scaling decarbonised materials.
“By integrating cycora, REI is helping to set a new standard for the entire outdoor industry, proving that high-performance gear and circular systems can go hand in hand.”
In January this year, Ganni entered into a procurement contract with Ambercycle for a consistent supply of cycora as part of the Danish fashion brand’s commitment to a sustainable future.
