Neste and Six Others form Consortium for World’s First Sustainable Polyester Fiber Supply Chain

A consortium of seven companies spanning five countries has collaboratively established a supply chain aimed at producing more sustainable polyester fiber. This initiative, led by Goldwin and supported by Mitsubishi Corporation, Chiyoda Corporation (Japan), SK geo centric (South Korea), Indorama Ventures (Thailand), India Glycols (India), and Neste, marks a significant shift from fossil-based materials to renewable and bio-based alternatives, including Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU*).

Neste's contribution of renewable Neste RE™ as a key ingredient for polyester production is pivotal. The polyester fibers produced through this project are slated for incorporation into The North Face products by Goldwin, beginning with sports uniforms in July 2024. Future plans include expanding the use of sustainable polyester across additional Goldwin products and brands.

The consortium employs a mass balancing approach to ensure transparent traceability of material flows throughout the supply chain. Together, they are committed to advancing material defossilization efforts, thereby contributing to the realization of a more sustainable society.

The consortium's adoption of a mass balancing approach underscores their commitment to transparently trace material flows across the supply chain. This method ensures that the sustainable and renewable inputs, including Neste RE™ from Neste, are accurately accounted for from production to consumption. By prioritizing material defossilization efforts, the consortium aims to drive significant environmental benefits, reducing reliance on fossil-based resources and promoting sustainable practices in polyester fiber manufacturing. This collective effort not only supports the consortium's sustainability goals but also sets a precedent for industry-wide collaboration towards achieving a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

The collaborative effort of the seven-company consortium reflects a proactive approach towards sustainability in the textile industry. By shifting towards renewable and bio-based materials, and integrating carbon capture and utilization technologies, they are not only reducing reliance on fossil fuels but also enhancing the environmental credentials of polyester fiber production. Neste's provision of renewable Neste RE™ underscores the importance of innovative partnerships in driving material defossilization. The initiative not only ensures credible traceability through mass balancing but also sets a precedent for future sustainable supply chain practices in global textile manufacturing, aligning with broader goals of achieving a circular economy.

Neste is a frontrunner in utilizing cutting-edge science and technology to transform waste and various resources into sustainable biofuels and recyclable raw materials. Positioned as a global leader, Neste pioneers sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel production while spearheading the development of renewable and circular feedstock solutions for polymers and chemicals. Their strategic focus is on combating climate change and driving the transition to a circular economy.

By 2030, Neste aims to enable their customers to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 20 million tons annually. This commitment underscores Neste's dedication to delivering impactful solutions that support environmental sustainability and meet the evolving needs of industries seeking to enhance their carbon footprint performance.