In a move that could revolutionize the retail and manufacturing industries, Walmart, the world's largest omnichannel retailer, has teamed up with Rubi, a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, to pilot a series of projects aimed at transforming carbon emissions into textiles. This innovative approach to carbon capture and conversion technology could significantly disrupt supply chains, making affordable, carbon-negative apparel and other products accessible to Walmart customers.

Rubi's unique, patent-pending technology, which mimics the natural process of trees absorbing CO₂, will be integrated into Walmart's sourcing and manufacturing infrastructure. The technology uses enzymes to convert carbon emissions from manufacturing waste streams into cellulose, which is then transformed into lyocell yarn for clothing and other materials. This symbiotic manufacturing process could redefine the concept of sustainability in the retail industry.

Andrea Albright, Executive Vice President of Sourcing for Walmart, said, “Walmart’s collaboration with Rubi could reimagine the apparel supply chain by leveraging technology to create textiles from carbon emissions. This technology could play an important role in our journey towards zero waste and zero emissions. We see the opportunity to use our scale and reach to have a positive impact wherever we operate, and we’re committed to accelerating this impact through our products, services, and business practices. Walmart’s joint effort with Rubi underscores this commitment.”

Walmart's commitment to sustainability is well-documented. The retail giant has been working with suppliers, NGOs, and climate action leaders since 2005 to inspire positive change across global value chains. It has set ambitious goals to be powered 50% by renewable energy by 2025 and 100% by 2035. Through Project Gigaton™, Walmart has engaged over 5,200 suppliers globally, resulting in the reduction or avoidance of more than 750 million metric tons of carbon emissions since 2017.

The collaboration with Rubi will involve two pilot projects. The first will examine how Rubi's modular reactor systems can be integrated into CO₂-producing facilities within Walmart's supply chain. The second will test the performance of Rubi's cellulose fiber in a prototype garment, leading to the design and development of a sample apparel collection.

Nicole Rycroft, Executive Director, Canopy, a not-for-profit environmental organization, said, “The impact of technologies like Rubi Laboratories’, combined with the market pull of global brands like Walmart, has the potential to accelerate the needed transformation of today’s ‘take, make, waste’ supply chains. We are excited about this early-stage collaboration to explore and bring innovations that could help protect vital forests, stabilize our climate, and provide innovative solutions to the global marketplace.”

Rubi's vision extends beyond textiles. The company is developing a new way of manufacturing that exists in harmony with the planet, with potential applications in areas such as buildings, packaging, food, medicine, and other advanced materials.

Neeka Mashouf, Co-founder and CEO of Rubi Labs, said, “At Rubi, our goal is to ensure a thriving future by restoring Earth’s ecological balance with reimagined supply chains. Walmart’s ability to mobilize positive impact across its supply chain of diverse US collaborations could be massively impactful in scaling our production and delivering on our commitments. We’re thrilled to collaborate with them.”

This collaboration with Walmart follows Rubi's recent announcement of an additional $8.7 million in Series Seed funding and strategic partnerships with global fashion brands H&M, Reformation, GANNI, and Nuuly.