- Robyn Turk
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Ralph Lauren is investing in sustainable material sciences. The
global fashion brand has announced a minority investment in Natural
Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW), a startup company that has revolutionized
the reuse of natural fibers. The investment will help NFW scale its
patented process to develop performance apparel made from natural,
sustainable materials.
NFW was founded in 2015 to help make recycled cotton more suitable
for reuse. The company’s innovative process welds short fibers of
recycled cotton into longer fibers that can create high-performance
cotton yarns, incorporating other plant-based waste fibers. NFW’s
upcycled material can outperform synthetic fabrics and retains the
comfortable feel of cotton.
“Today, sustainability is an area where this is especially
important, and investing with partners to scale innovative solutions
is a key part of our sustainability strategy,” David Lauren, Ralph
Lauren’s vice chairman and chief innovation officer, said in a press
release. “We are excited to support the work of NFW, a pioneer in this
field. Their technology has the power to not only advance our work at
Ralph Lauren, but effect positive change across the entire
industry.”
Through its investment with NFW, Ralph Lauren will expand its use
of post-consumer cotton. The brand aims to source 100 percent of its
key materials from recycled practices.
