Syntetica, a French startup that has developed a novel approach to recycling nylon, has already obtained big-name partners and investors.

French deeptech startup Syntetica has raised $30 million in Series A funding led by Bpifrance's Ecotechnologies 2 fund, with participation from athletic apparel brand Lululemon and major apparel manufacturer MAS Holdings. The Paris-based company recycles nylon textile waste using a low-temperature process that can handle both Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 together, eliminating the need for separation. This addresses a longstanding industry challenge, as the two materials are chemically indistinguishable once mixed. Syntetica worked confidentially with Lululemon for two years before the investment. The funding will build a commercial demonstration facility with Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand, expected to produce commercial quantities of recycled nylon within 18 months. The company previously raised $4.58 million in July 2024, bringing total funding to approximately $34.5 million. Syntetica now employs 22 people and works with brands including Victoria's Secret and Etam.

Tata CLiQ is planning to open physical Lululemon stores across India, expanding beyond its online-only partnership with the Canadian activewear brand that launched last year. Chief executive Gopal Asthana told ETRetail the move is part of the company's strategy to build its sportswear and athleisure business. The e-commerce retailer recently added Nike to its platform and expects it to become a major contributor to its sportswear segment. Beauty was Tata CLiQ's fastest-growing category in the previous fiscal year, growing 40-50%. Tata CLiQ exited electronics in 2023 to focus on fashion and lifestyle, now positioning itself across beauty, fashion, footwear, home and wellness. The company is also expanding wellness through Tata 1mg and has recently launched luxury brands including La Prairie and Lush.