Posted April 28, 2014

 

VENTURA, Calif. – Patagonia announced a strategic investment in CO2Nexus, Inc., a company that has developed a sustainable method of processing (cleaning, disinfecting and coating) textiles and garments using liquid carbon dioxide.

 

According to the outdoor apparel company, the method uses zero water, consuming less energy and generating little waste.

 

The announcement marks a significant investment by Patagonia through its $20 Million & Change fund, launched in 2013 to help innovative, likeminded startup companies bring about solutions to the environmental crisis through business. The investment caps a Series A round of investment for CO2Nexus, based in Denver.

 

“Quite simply, processing textiles and apparel requires huge amounts of energy and water – and both are in crisis,” said Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario. “CO2Nexus is a great fit for $20 Million & Change – it’s a young company using business and innovation to bring about positive benefits to the environment. Patagonia is proud to invest in their success.”

 

CO2Nexus’ unique system, called TERSUS®, can process textiles using the same CO2 that provides fizz to beverages. It’s fast, with 20 to 30 minute cycle times, and requires no separate dryer – conserving significant energy as a result.

 

Outdoor and other apparel items processed with the TERSUS® system emerge with minimal impact compared to traditional water or solvent-based cleaning methods, Patagonia said. Over the course of repeated washes, benefits include down loft enhancement, water repellency and color/size/fit consistency.

 

“Patagonia is the perfect partner for us, and for our technology,” said CO2Nexus president and CEO Richard Kinsman. “Their leadership and track record in both textile technology and environmental arenas is unparalleled. We are excited about the opportunities we can jointly pursue up and down the textile value chain."