What Makes a Good Sustainability Partner? (And What We Look For)

At Celys, we’ve engineered the world’s first certified compostable polyester fibre. It’s a material breakthrough we’re proud of—but innovation alone won’t change the world. We need the right partners to scale it.

The fashion and textile industry is at a critical juncture. Regulatory pressure is increasing. Consumers are growing more conscious. And the environmental toll of “business as usual” is no longer acceptable. That’s why the most progressive brands and manufacturers are shifting from short-term compliance to long-term transformation.

We’re here for those partners. The ones who are ready to do sustainability differently.

The Problem with “Sustainability Theatre”

Too often, sustainability is treated like a marketing checkbox. A capsule collection here, a press release there—meant more to signal intent than to drive systemic change. That’s not the kind of partnership we’re looking for.

To bring game-changing materials like Celys to scale, we need manufacturers and brands who understand that real sustainability isn’t a campaign. It’s a commitment.

It means asking the harder questions. Investing in better materials. And being willing to lead—not just when the margins are favourable, but because it's the right thing to do.

So, What Makes a Good Sustainability Partner?

Here’s what we look for in the brands and suppliers we work with:

1. Long-Term Thinking

We seek partners who see beyond quarterly KPIs. Compostable fibre is not a “fast win” fix—it’s a structural improvement that pays off over years. We want to work with those who understand that building a resilient, regenerative business starts with the materials they choose today.

2. Openness to Innovation

Celys is designed to slot seamlessly into existing manufacturing infrastructure. No changes required. But where we do face resistance is on cost. We look for partners who understand that even a marginal price premium per metre can unlock significant environmental value—and who are willing to invest accordingly.

3. Transparent Collaboration

The best sustainability projects are co-created. We believe in shared data, mutual feedback, and honest discussions about what works and what doesn’t. We’re not looking for transactional relationships—we’re looking for collaboration.

4. Environmental Integrity

If sustainability isn’t a core value, compostable fibre won’t be the right fit. We’re drawn to partners who are actively working to reduce impact across their business, and who value measurable, traceable improvements—not just storytelling.

5. Courage

Yes, courage. Because leading on sustainability means going first. It means switching from legacy materials to better ones. It means facing internal friction. And it means doing what’s right even when it’s not the industry norm—yet.

Why It Matters

The path to sustainable materials isn’t easy—but it’s necessary. Not just to stay ahead of policy shifts or satisfy consumer demand (though both are accelerating), but because the planet quite literally depends on it.

When we find the right partners—those who believe in impact over optics, integrity over inertia—we move faster. We prove what’s possible. And we make sustainability not just a responsibility, but a competitive advantage.

If you’re a brand or manufacturer ready to do more than meet minimums—if you’re ready to help reshape the material economy—let’s talk.

We’ve also launched the Intimiti Sustainability Academy—a space to connect like-minded businesses, share knowledge, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable innovation throughout the value chain. Learn more and join the ecosystem that’s working to make sustainability scalable.

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