Walmart is looking to cut its carbon footprint by manufacturing and selling clothing made from carbon emissions.
The retailer has teamed up with Rubi, a company that manufactures natural textiles using carbon emissions, to leverage on-site reactor technology in projects involving Walmart’s sourcing and manufacturing infrastructure.
Rubi’s technology involves the use of a biochemical process that captures and converts harmful carbon dioxide from the waste stream of various manufacturing units and turns it into cellulose. The derived cellulose is then turned into lyocell yarn that can be used for making clothing and materials.
“Walmart’s ability to mobilize positive impact across its supply chain of diverse US collaborations could be massively impactful in scaling our production and delivering on our commitments,” said Neeka Mashouf, co-founder and CEO of Rubi Labs.
The collaboration between Walmart and Rubi has been divided into two pilot projects. The first one will assess how Rubi’s modular reactors can integrate on-site at various manufacturing facilities that are part of Walmart’s supply chain to capture carbon dioxide. Then, the second pilot will check the suitability of Rubi’s cellulose fiber for developing a sample apparel collection.
“Walmart’s collaboration with Rubi could reimagine the apparel supply chain by leveraging technology to create textiles from carbon emissions. This technology could play an important role in our journey towards zero waste and zero emissions,” said Andrea Albright, executive vice president of sourcing at Walmart. “We see the opportunity to use our scale and reach to have a positive impact wherever we operate, and we’re committed to accelerate this impact through our products, services, and business practices. Walmart’s joint effort with Rubi underscores this commitment.”
Walmart today works with more than 5,200 supplies across the globe. As part of Walmart’s Project Gigaton, the company’s suppliers have reportedly cut back on 750 million metric tons of carbon emission collectively over the past six years.
The company has also set a goal of utilizing 50% renewable energy by 2025 and 100% by 2035.
Photo credit: Rubi
