Walmart and Rubi Laboratories launch pilots to convert carbon emissions into clothing
Walmart, the world’s largest omnichannel retailer, has signed manufacturing and brand pilot agreements with Rubi Laboratories to leverage the California-based start-up's carbon capture and conversion technology to disrupt supply chains and deliver affordable apparel from carbon emissions.
The initial manufacturing pilot will explore how Rubi’s modular reactor systems could integrate on-site to CO2-producing facilities at manufacturers in the Walmart supply chain to capture and convert CO2.
The output will then be used to produce a prototype apparel collection using Rubi’s fabric made from carbon emissions. Walmart will test Rubi’s cellulose fibre performance by designing and developing a sample apparel collection that has a focus on accessibility to the masses.
Inspired by how trees use CO2 to grow, Rubi uses biochemical processes powered by enzymes at an industrial scale to “eat” carbon emissions and make carbon-negative, resource-neutral textiles. Its patent-pending, cell-free biocatalysis process captures and converts CO2 from the waste streams of manufacturing facilities into cellulose. The converted cellulose is then used to create lyocell yarn, which can be used for clothing and materials.
