A coalition of seven companies has established a “world-first” supply chain for more sustainable polyester. Neste, a Finnish energy company, is collaborating with project owner Goldwin, Mitsubishi Corporation, engineering consultancy Chiyoda Corporation, chemical maker SK Geocentric, sustainable petrochemical firm Indorama Ventures, green chemists India Glycols, and Neste.
The alliance aims to manufacture polyester fibers for The North Face in Japan using renewable and bio-based resources, as well as carbon collection and use. Neste will provide Neste RE, a raw material derived from bio-based materials such as trash and residue, to substitute fossil fuels in polyester synthesis. Neste claims that utilizing Neste RE reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 85% as compared to fossil feedstock while retaining the same quality.
The North Face plans to incorporate the manufactured polyester fiber in several of its goods, including sports uniforms, by next year. The partnership will use mass balancing to assure traceability of material streams across the supply chain.
