​​Ambercycle, a company that transforms textile waste into fresh materials, has partnered with lifestyle brand Gap Inc.'s brand, Athleta, to utilize recycled textiles in Athleta's product line.

The partnership will see Athleta using Ambercycle's recycled polyester, “cycora," in its performance apparel from 2026 onwards. This move is part of Athleta's mission to decrease its environmental footprint while aligning with the broader industry trend toward circular and sustainable materials.

Analyst QuickTake: While the company’s partnership with Gap is for its Athleta brand, it opens up the potential for collaborating on Gap’s eponymous brand and Old Navy and Banana Republic. In November 2023, Ambercycle inked a partnership with Danish brand GANNI to incorporate cycora in the GANNI SPORT collection. Partnerships with leading apparel brands may also give Ambercycle an edge against a backdrop where brands are becoming increasingly conscious about sustainability.