Syntetica secures €4.2 million to advance nylon recycling and close the recycling loop

Syntetica, a forward-thinking startup based in Italy, has recently secured €4.2 million in Seed funding to propel its innovative approach to nylon recycling. This funding round, co-led by EQT Ventures alongside prominent investors and family offices such as Peugeot and ETAM, underscores the critical need for sustainable solutions within the textile industry.

The textile industry is notorious for its detrimental environmental impact, particularly in terms of carbon emissions. Nylon, a versatile and durable synthetic fiber, is extensively used in various applications including activewear, outdoor gear, and high-performance textiles due to its strength and elasticity. However, the challenge lies in its recycling process, exacerbated by its frequent blending with other fibers like cotton, elastane, and polyester. These blends complicate traditional recycling methods, often leading to energy-intensive processes or the disposal of garments through landfill or incineration.

Syntetica addresses these challenges with its innovative depolymerisation technology. Unlike traditional methods that require high temperatures and pressures, Syntetica's process operates at low temperatures and without pressure. This unique approach effectively breaks down the chemical bonds holding nylon and other fibers together in blended textiles. By doing so, it enables the separation of these fibers, allowing them to be recycled and reintegrated into the manufacturing of new clothing items. This closed-loop system not only reduces the environmental footprint associated with nylon production but also promotes circularity within the fashion industry, aligning with global sustainability goals.

The scalability of Syntetica's technology is a key advantage. Leveraging readily available chemicals and existing laboratory infrastructure, the startup aims to expand its impact across the textile industry swiftly. Already making strides, Syntetica has partnered with Etam, a leading lingerie brand in France, to launch a capsule collection featuring recycled materials by 2026. This partnership highlights the practical application and market readiness of Syntetica's solutions, demonstrating its potential to transform the fashion sector's approach to sustainability.

Marco Bertone, the co-founder and CEO of Syntetica, conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the recent funding round and the strategic partnerships forged by the company. He highlighted Syntetica's steadfast commitment to revolutionizing the recycling of nylon, with a primary goal of substantially reducing carbon emissions and preventing millions of garments from ending up as waste. Bertone's remarks underscored Syntetica's mission to drive sustainable practices within the textile industry through innovative technological advancements.

Laurent Milchior, Chairman and CEO of Etam Group, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing their firm's dedication to minimizing the environmental impact associated with textile manufacturing. Milchior recognized the pivotal role of cutting-edge technologies like Syntetica's in achieving these sustainability objectives. Both leaders' statements underscore a shared vision for advancing environmental stewardship and promoting circular economy principles within their respective sectors through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.

With the new capital infusion, Syntetica plans to bolster its technical team, ramp up production capabilities, and advance towards achieving a pre-industrial stage by mid-2026. This ambitious growth strategy positions Syntetica at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the fashion industry, poised to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly alternatives from fashion and automotive clients alike. By expanding its footprint and refining its technology, Syntetica aims to set new standards for environmental stewardship and circular economy practices in textiles globally.