Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.
Lululemon
Lululemon has expanded its partnership with Samsara Eco, entering a 10-year offtake agreement with the Australian biotechnology startup to source its recycled raw materials.
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This long-term contract could see Samsara Eco’s materials constitute approximately 20 percent of Lululemon’s overall fibers portfolio—and advance its progress toward “making more products with preferred materials by 2030.”
“Scaling circular materials requires bold partnerships and a shared commitment to rethinking how our industry operates. [This] partnership is a powerful example of what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration,” said Ted Dagnese, chief supply chain officer at Lululemon. “As we work toward our 2030 impact goals, we’re taking a diversified approach—investing in multiple partnerships to advance solutions and help reduce our reliance on fossil-fuel derived resources.”
Last year, Lululemon launched the Packable Anorak, the brand’s first product made with enzymatically recycled polyester, created in partnership with the enviro-tech startup. Samsara Eco’s technology employs engineered enzymes to break down plastic into its original building blocks to be reintegrated into existing manufacturing processes and create new products.
“Our expanded partnership with Lululemon represents a strong step forward to help create a fully circular ecosystem and further highlights the industry’s commitment to transition to more circular materials,” said Paul Riley, founder and CEO of Samsara Eco. “The technology to make circular materials is not a pipe dream—it is here, ready for adoption by forward-thinking companies.”
Samsara Eco shared plans on opening a plant in Jerrabomberra, New South Wales, focused on scaling its proprietary EosEco enzyme platform, with an international commercial facility set to launch in 2028, expanding global supply capacity.
MycoWorks
Biomaterials technology company MycoWorks will present a new collection—dubbed “Reishi in the Nordic Light,” co-created with Danish designers and curated by Marie-Louise Høstbo—at this year’s 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen.
“By introducing Reishi, we have redefined how we engage with materials,” Høstbo said. “This project creates a dialogue between heritage and innovation—honoring Danish design traditions while daring to explore the profound possibilities that a new material like Reishi presents.”
Copenhagen-based design studio Frederik Gustav used Reishi in its “Arbor” suspension light, fusing the material with steel frames to “create a dialogue between organic form and industrial design.”
“Working with Reishi challenged us to respect the material’s organic properties,” Frederik Gustav said. “Its dual nature—robust yet delicate—guided us in creating a lighting piece that is both structurally sound and visually evocative, perfectly echoing the serene quality of Nordic light.”
Copenhagen-based cross-disciplinary design- and architecture practice Atelier Axo introduced a reconfigurable wall lamp merging metal and Reishi with “ingenious assembly methods,” resulting in the Eaves Lamp.
“Engaging with mycelium introduced a dynamic interplay between control and organic evolution,” Atelier Axo said. “By allowing the material to lead the creative process, we discovered new aesthetics that celebrate imperfection as a source of unique character and innovation.”
Design firm OEO Studio crafted the “Centurio” lamp using Reishi to “unite minimalist sensibility with material expressiveness.”
“At OEO Studio, we don’t merely design objects—we craft experiences,” OEO Studio said. “With Reishi, we fuse the timeless minimalism of Scandinavian heritage with groundbreaking material innovation, creating pieces that transform both space and perception.”
Shapellx
Florida-based brand Shapellx has dropped OceanHug: a seamless shapewear collection with intimates and outerwear using a first-of-its-kind fabric. Made from “ocean protein recycled nylon,” the OceanHug material reduces harmful bacteria growth by 2.56 percent and is moisture-wicking and soft to the touch.
“As sustainability becomes a top priority for both brands and consumers, Shapellx is proud to lead with innovative materials like oyster protein that combine environmental responsibility with performance- enhancing benefits,” said Shane Shi, vice president of Shapellx. “We’re committed to delivering more sustainable alternatives without compromising on quality or comfort. OceanHug is just the beginning.”
Shapellx said every OceanHug piece gives “new purpose” to 33 oyster shells, as the discards are integrated into the fabric. As of last month, Shapellx reported that over 960,814 discarded oyster shells have been “transformed.”
The T-shirt bra is 65 percent oyster protein recycled nylon, 28 percent nylon, and 7 percent spandex. The camisole features 64 percent ocean protein recycled nylon, 27 percent nylon, and 9 percent spandex. The bodysuit features 61 percent oyster protein recycled nylon, 26 percent nylon, and 13 percent spandex. The brief underwear features 58 percent modal, 26 percent nylon, 9 percent spandex, and 7 percent cotton.
The lineup retails for $9-$54 and is available in the shades baby blue, lavender pink and oyster white, among others.
Dahsheng Chemical (DSC)
Performance foam manufacturer Dahsheng Chemical (DSC) sponsored the 17th annual Portland Track Festival last weekend, providing insoles—the Dreamcell PX23 and Durapontex e25—to athletes at the two-day event.
“We appreciate DSC continuing to support the Portland Track Festival and their commitment to engage with local athletes,” said Michael Bergmann, board member and spokesperson of the Portland Track Festival. “These world-class middle and long-distance athletes offer invaluable feedback that helps DSC refine and elevate its performance products.”
“This year marks 80 years of innovation at DSC, and we are honored to support the Portland Track Festival once again,” said Johnson Chang, CEO of DSC. “Our mission has always been to design products that meet athletes’ highest performance demands. With our ultra-high performance Dreamcell and Durapontex insoles, we’re proud to help athletes power through the finish line—and beyond.”
The Dreamcell PX23 is engineered with high resilience, open-cell PU foam to deliver a 50 percent performance rebound. The Durapontex e25 is a next-generation closed-cell foam material developed using DSC’s proprietary supercritical fluid foaming technology.
Royal Robbins
Outdoor lifestyle apparel brand Royal Robbins’ has added to its Mosquito Protection Technology (MPT) apparel collection.
MPT is a tightly woven, engineered fabric that acts as a robust barrier to mosquitoes. Royal Robbins’ MPT shirts and pants are made with recycled polyester and without chemical repellents or biocides.
In 2023, Royal Robbins partnered with Raleigh-based research organization Vector Textiles to test MPT fabrics over the course of 12 months. Based on “results of multiple controlled laboratory tests,” all fabrics perform well in providing adequate protection from mosquitoes without the use of chemicals or pesticides, the company said. MPT demonstrated 92 percent effectiveness in preventing mosquito bites.
“As a brand born in Yosemite, we continue to focus on versatile and innovative gear that is comfortable and environmentally conscious,” said Erik Burbank, brand president at Royal Robbins. “Crafted to enable, we believe the Spring/Summer 2026 line will resonate with the adventurer in all of us.”
