The agreement set out a framework for collaboration between the two companies to advance the development of post-consumer recycled nylon 6,6.
Epoch’s AI-engineered enzymatic recycling technology will be utilised alongside Invista’s polymerisation insights and its global footprint to produce what the company described as “virgin-quality” nylon 6,6 at commercial scale.
Nylon 6,6 is widely used across apparel, automotive and industrial applications.
Under the MoU, technical assessment and polymer qualification activities are already underway, with application performance testing planned as the next phase of the work.
Epoch Biodesign
Epoch Biodesign is a UK-based biotechnology company, which uses artificial intelligence and synthetic biology to design enzymes capable of breaking down end-of-life plastic and textile waste, with the aim of producing virgin-quality materials from mixed waste streams.
Jacob Nathan, CEO of Epoch Biodesign, commented: “When your recycling technology is chosen from a global set of options by a company whose heritage is directly linked to the invention of nylon 6,6, it is clearly a defining moment.
“We are excited to increase momentum towards our goal of global deployment; this is a clear message that one of the largest producers of nylon 6,6 believes in our technology and the need for effective, enzymatic recycling at commercial scale.
“Working with Invista will accelerate real change in the materials supply chain, advancing the industry beyond existing recycling approaches, transforming waste into virgin-equivalent products.”
The company is backed by investors including Lowercarbon Capital, Extantia and Inditex, and is currently developing what it described as “the world’s largest” nylon 6,6 biorecycling facility.
US-based manufacturer Invista
Invista, which is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, United States, is a global manufacturer of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibres, operating across the nylon 6,6 and polypropylene value chains.
Its products are used in a range of applications, including automotive components, medical equipment, airbags, food packaging and clothing.
Ethel Garnier, Global Sustainability Director at Invista, added: “Invista is committed to exploring innovative technologies that can improve the sustainability and resilience of nylon 6,6 supply chains.
“With this collaboration, both Invista and Epoch are applying their comparative advantage to develop solutions to a market need for recycled nylon 6,6.
“We look forward to working with Epoch to advance this important project and continuing to provide high-quality products that meet our customers’ needs.”
Invista has been a subsidiary of Koch since 2004 and operates manufacturing and technology assets worldwide.
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