lululemon has been named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in the Corporate Social Responsibility category for 2022 by Fast Company, placing #5 on the list.
The company’s investment in sustainable product initiatives and materials innovation are highlighted, including partnerships with Mylo, Genomatica and LanzaTech. Read the excerpt below.
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As commitments to cut emissions, plastics, waste, and water become standard in the corporate world, the question becomes how companies will actually reach those goals—and what other ways can they continue to give back as they do? The forefront of innovation in corporate social responsibility is going well beyond simple charitable programs or carbon-offset purchases. These 10 companies are pursuing innovative paths to shrinking footprints (or to helping other companies shrink theirs) or supporting their communities.
#5 — lululemon
For investing in material alternatives
On top of initiatives to help recycle and reuse its clothing, lululemon, the athletic apparel company, has taken big steps to re-create the process of making them entirely. Last May, it debuted its Earth Dye collection, relying on plant waste from beets and oranges rather than synthetic dyes. It’s partnered with companies to experiment with using lab-grown polyester made out of carbon emissions and to incorporate lab-grown leather—Lululemon is a founding member of the Mylo Consortium devoted to using mycelium, a mushroom’s root structure, as a viable material alternative—into its fashions. In July 2021, the company made yoga accessories such as a mat and bags incorporating Mylo. Lululemon also invested in the bioengineering company Genomatica to find new ways to create plant-based fabrics such as a plant-based nylon.