Biorecycling technology
Carbios breaks down packaging and textile polyester waste to provide output compounds to FENC.
Can biorecycled polyester be integrated into an iconic shoe without compromising elasticity, comfort, durability, or color fastness?
Breaking the circularity barrier in high-performance footwear
A tripartite collaboration between Carbios, Far Eastern New Century and Salomon to demonstrate that technological innovation and textile performance can accelerate the transition to a more circular industry.
Unveiled during Paris Fashion Week January 2025, the new XT_PURE prototype marks a concrete step forward toward more circular practices in the textile and footwear industries.
The Challenge
- Technological Material quality
- Industrial Scalability
- Design Maintaining premium standards
Thanks to premium-quality polyester fibers (equivalent to virgin materials in terms of fit, comfort, durability, and color performance) Salomon, the modern mountain sports lifestyle brand, has integrated biorecycled polyester into the redesign of its XT_PURE footwear, making it fully recyclable.
The shoe features an upper made from high-quality biorecycled polyester fibers, delivering top-level performance without compromising on quality. These fibers are produced from complex waste streams, such as textiles and packaging, which are not always recyclable through conventional methods.
This three-party collaboration brought together Carbios and Far Eastern New Century, who supplied Salomon with premium fibers made from 100% biorecycled PET.
This innovative project earned the “ITMF International Cooperation Award 2025” from the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF).
A tripartite collaboration
The partnership marks a major milestone for both the textile and footwear industries. It also promotes the circular economy through international collaboration.
Premium fiber processing
FENC then transforms these compounds back into polyester and creates a dyed fiber. This recycled polyester guarantees the same quality as virgin fibers in fit, comfort, durability and color.
Product integration & design
Salomon produces the redesigned XT-Pu.Re that is fully recyclable.
Performance indicators
Making a high-performance running shoe fully recyclable without sacrificing quality or design
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100% biorecycled PET
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Fibers produced through an enzymatic process that enables polyester biorecycling
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Maintaining high standards of performance and quality
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Elasticity, comfort, strength, durability, color stability
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A world-first presented at Paris Fashion Week
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Prototype showcased January 2025, highlighting the convergence of textile innovation and lifestyle design.
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testimonials
“This collaboration with Carbios and FENC represents a major step forward in our quest for a footwear industry that is more respectful of the environment. We are proud to support this pioneering initiative, which demonstrates our commitment to responsible innovation and reducing our environmental footprint.”
Guillaume Meyzenq,
President & CEO
