Decathlon have partnered with Unspun to invest in 3D weaving technology to secure European supply through 2030. The move aims to establish Unspun’s Vega 3D weaving machines to support local, low-waste production.
The partnership follows unspun’s recent US $ 32 million Series B funding and its collaboration with Walmart to expand Vega technology in the US. The specific details regarding the agreement have not been disclosed, but the goal is to use Vega machines to streamline low-inventory manufacturing in Europe. The Vega technology creates semi-finished products directly from yarns, making it efficient for localised, on-demand production.
Walden Lam, CEO and co-founder of Unspun, emphasised the sustainability benefits of the partnership, “This collaboration allows us to deliver apparel that is produced more sustainably to mainstream European customers. It also supports efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by reducing waste in the fashion supply chain.”
Franck Vigo, CEO of Decathlon Pulse, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “By embracing 3D weaving, we aim to transform the garment manufacturing process, offering consumers customized, recyclable, and locally produced products.”
The initiative aligns with the EU’s upcoming Waste Framework Directive regulations, presenting a sustainable solution for managing finished goods inventory and reducing waste from unsold products.
