New Nylon Recycling Pioneer Acquires DOMO Chemical’s Nylon 66 Plant

【High-Molecular Circular Reuse】 reports that on July 30, UK-based biotechnology company Epoch Biodesign announced the acquisition of DOMO Chemical’s nylon 6,6 polymerization plant in Blanes, Spain—further completing an integrated value chain spanning waste nylon depolymerization, monomer recovery, and regenerated polymer production. The plant boasts over 50 years of operational history and an annual nylon 6,6 polymerization capacity of approximately 52,000 tons. Affected by persistent financial difficulties, DOMO Polymer Solutions Spain—the Spanish operating entity of DOMO Chemical—entered bankruptcy proceedings in February 2026, leading to a temporary halt in production. According to disclosures by the bankruptcy administrator, Epoch Biodesign’s acquisition offer exceeded €6.5 million. Founded in 2019, Epoch Biodesign’s core technology leverages artificial intelligence to design enzymes capable of breaking down pre-consumer and post-consumer nylon 6,6 waste into fundamental monomers—including adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine—which are then repolymerized into nylon materials approaching virgin-grade quality. Globally, annual nylon 6,6 production exceeds 2 million tons, yet the post-consumer recycling rate remains below 1%. As planned, Epoch Biodesign will construct a nylon 6,6 enzymatic recycling demonstration facility in London to convert waste nylon into regenerated monomers; these monomers will then be shipped to the Blanes plant in Spain for repolymerization into recycled nylon 6,6.

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According to Fashion Without Borders, Erdos 1980 has launched its Fall/Winter 2026 brand imagery campaign titled “Echoes in Harmony,” inspired by the ‘Vast Steppe Long Tune.’ Returning to its hometown, the campaign integrates the boundless scenery of the grasslands with culturally rich memories shaped over time into its apparel expressions. Reportedly, the campaign collaborates with three artists: musical theatre performer Ayunga, Mongolian singer Urna, and conductor Zhang Jieming—using sound as a medium to foster dialogue between humanity and nature, and between tradition and contemporaneity. Filmed for the first time on analog film, the campaign captures the interplay of fabric, light, shadow, and acoustic resonance across the open steppe—showcasing the brand’s exploration of regional culture and premium cashmere aesthetics. ▐ Cross-Industry Collaboration ▐ Timberland Pro Becomes New Partner of NASCAR Fashion Without Borders reports that Timberland Pro—a brand under VF Corporation—has entered a multi-year partnership with NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), officially becoming the racing association’s Official Protective Footwear and Official Safety-Toe Footwear Partner. Under the agreement, Timberland Pro will supply professional protective footwear—including the Direct Attach 6-inch and Boondock ultra-light work boots—to NASCAR staff and track personnel. Additionally, both parties will jointly explore the development of advanced safety footwear solutions and plan to launch co-branded products in the future. This collaboration will also further connect skilled tradespeople, vocational education, and workforce development initiatives—reinforcing mutual support for technical expertise. ▐ Sustainability ▐ Zara’s Parent Company Supports Transformation of Brewery Agricultural Waste into Sustainable Textile Materials Fashion Without Borders reports that Inditex Group—the parent company of Zara—is supporting an international research project through its “MIT-Spain Inditex Circularity Seed Fund” (a circular innovation seed fund established in collaboration with MIT). The project explores converting agricultural waste from beer brewing into sustainable textile materials. Reportedly, the initiative involves the Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC) at the University of A Coruña in Spain, aiming to develop novel textile materials from agricultural residues such as hop stems and leaves—adding value to brewing industry by-products. The project remains in the laboratory research phase. Epoch Biodesign Expands Regenerated Nylon Production Capacity Fashion Without Borders reports that UK biotech firm Epoch Biodesign has completed the acquisition of the regenerated nylon 6,6 production facility in Blanes, Spain—making it the first enzymatic recycling enterprise globally equipped with industrial-scale regenerated nylon production capability. Epoch Biodesign has secured backing from Lululemon and Mundi Ventures—an investment arm of Inditex Group—and has developed AI-driven enzyme technology for decomposing discarded nylon. The newly acquired facility will process regenerated monomers into nylon resin, helping meet growing demand for recycled materials across the fashion and automotive industries. ▐ Offline Retail ▐ Versace Plans Ongoing Optimization of Its Store Network Fashion Without Borders reports that Versace will continue refining its retail network between 2026 and 2027, expecting to close approximately 10 non-strategic stores. Starting in 2028, the brand plans to identify high-potential new locations for expansion.

Epoch Biodesign Bets on Circular Nylon 6,6 Despite Weak Demand and Import Pressure

Sep 14, 2026

Epoch Biodesign acquired a former DOMO Chemicals site in Spain to produce circular nylon 6,6 using enzyme-based recycling. Targeting 50,000 tonnes annual capacity by 2029, the project leverages EU regulations and low-energy processes to compete amidst market headwinds.

icis

2026-09-14

Epoch Biodesign Bets on Circular Nylon 6,6 Despite Weak Demand and Import Pressure

Epoch Biodesign Bets on Circular Nylon 6,6 Despite Weak Demand and Import Pressure

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