Goldwin Inc., Neste, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., and Toray Industries, Inc. have jointly established a supply chain for nylon fiber produced from renewable raw materials, marking a further step toward reducing reliance on fossil-based feedstocks in the apparel industry.
Under the collaboration, Neste supplies Neste RE™, a renewable raw material derived from bio-based and waste-based inputs such as used cooking oil and other renewable sources. The material is used as a drop-in replacement for fossil naphtha in chemical production, enabling the manufacture of high-performance nylon fiber while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Neste RE is produced from ISCC certified and traceable renewable raw materials, such as waste and residues like used cooking oil. Source: Neste
According to the companies, the renewable naphtha produced through Neste RE can reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the raw material by more than 85 percent when used in its neat, unblended form compared with conventional fossil-based feedstocks. Despite its renewable origin, the material maintains identical chemical properties to fossil-derived inputs, allowing it to be used in existing manufacturing processes without modification.
The nylon fiber produced through this supply chain is scheduled to be incorporated into select THE NORTH FACE products, operated by Goldwin Inc., beginning in August 2026.
Industry stakeholders highlight that the initiative demonstrates how existing industrial infrastructure can be leveraged to support the transition toward lower-carbon materials. By utilising a mass balance approach and integrating renewable feedstocks into established production systems, the participating companies aim to accelerate the adoption of sustainable materials within complex global supply chains.
A representative from Neste emphasised that renewable materials derived from Neste RE meet the performance requirements of leading global brands and can help reduce the fashion industry’s dependence on fossil resources, particularly in high-performance applications. The company also noted that its drop-in solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing chemical and polymer production systems, enabling faster deployment across value chains.
Mitsubishi Corporation played a coordinating role in bringing the participating companies together and supporting the development of the renewable nylon supply chain for Goldwin’s products.
This collaboration represents Neste’s second supply chain initiative with THE NORTH FACE, following a similar partnership announced in July 2024, underscoring ongoing efforts to expand the use of renewable materials in performance apparel manufacturing.
For more information visit www.neste.com
