Rubi Laboratories, a California-based startup developing carbon-negative textile materials, has partnered with retail giant Walmart to explore the conversion of captured CO2 into textiles.

The collaboration between the two companies will explore two main pilot projects:

• The first pilot will integrate Rubi’s modular reactor systems into Walmart’s manufacturing facilities within its supply chain to capture CO2 emissions.

• The second pilot will involve testing Rubi’s cellulose fiber in a prototype garment derived from CO2 emissions.

Rubi uses an industrial-scale biochemical process powered by enzymes to convert carbon emissions into cellulose, which is used to produce lyocell yarn for use in clothing and other textile-based products.