Nothing quite compares to the feeling of slipping on Lululemon gear.
For many shoppers, that buttery-soft Align legging or Nulu sports bra feels like a second skin. It’s one reason why the brand commands a premium price and why its products inspire a near cult-like following.
But that signature softness comes at a cost. Most of those fabrics are made from virgin synthetic materials like nylon and polyester — derived from fossil fuels, with a hefty environmental footprint.
Related: Lululemon bets big on innovation and sustainability
Now, Lululemon is making a bold move to change that.
The brand just struck a deal to bring more recycled materials into its clothing than ever before. The plan: source nearly one-fifth of its fiber mix from used clothing and fabric scraps by 2035.
It’s an ambitious goal that could reshape what’s in your next pair of leggings or yoga top.
And while the shift is mostly flying under the radar, it marks one of Lululemon’s biggest sustainability efforts yet.
Your next Lululemon purchase could be made from recycled clothes.
Image source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Lululemon bets big on next-gen recycling tech
Lululemon’s new deal centers on a partnership with Samsara Eco, an Australian startup using cutting-edge recycling tech.
Instead of traditional recycling, Samsara Eco customizes enzymes using AI to break down old nylon and polyester into raw materials that can be spun into new fibers.
Lululemon is committing to source about 20% of its fiber portfolio from Samsara Eco’s recycled content by 2035.
It’s a big vote of confidence for Samsara Eco and comes at a time when many textile recyclers have struggled to scale. Fellow recycler Renewcell recently went bankrupt, underscoring how tough this space can be.
Related: Chanel acts on climate: tackling fashion’s growing waste problem
But Samsara Eco is gaining steam. It’s bringing a new factory online this year and has an ambitious goal to process 1.5 million tons of plastics annually by 2030.
Lululemon is betting this tech will help it hit bold sustainability goals, including a target to use only “preferred materials” by 2030. Currently, virgin synthetics still make up about 67% of its fabrics, according to the Changing Markets Foundation.
This new partnership could help flip that balance and change what shoppers see on the label.
What this means for Lululemon shoppers
So what does that mean for your next Lululemon haul?
The shift to recycled materials likely won’t change how your clothing feels. That’s the point.
Samsara Eco’s recycled nylon and polyester are designed to match the softness, stretch, and durability of virgin fabrics.
In fact, Lululemon has already created a prototype shirt using recycled nylon 6,6 that looks and feels just like its standard offerings.
But behind the seams, this move matters. Synthetic fabrics are one of the biggest sources of microplastics pollution. They also fuel climate emissions and rely on fossil fuels.
Lululemon’s sustainability track record isn’t spotless. The company’s emissions doubled between 2019 and 2023, even as it posted massive revenue gains. And a recent report shows that virgin synthetics still dominate its materials mix.
This recycling deal, along with investments in plant-based and captured-carbon fabrics, signals that Lululemon is serious about turning that around.
For shoppers, it means your favorite Lululemon styles could soon come with a smaller footprint, all while maintaining the feel and performance you love.
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