FENC Wins ITMF International Cooperation Award for Joint Development of Eco-Friendly Bio-recycled Polyester Products with Carbios and Salomon

Far Eastern New Century (FENC), together with French biotech company Carbios and global sports brand Salomon, has produced a more sustainable version of the iconic footwear from Salomon's XT_PU.RE range, made with premium-quality polyester fibers using biorecycling technology. This innovative project earned the "ITMF International Cooperation Award 2025" from the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF). The partnership marks a major milestone for both the textile and footwear industries. It also promotes the circular economy through international collaboration.

FEG Chief Innovation Officer Jeff Hsu (Second from Left) and R&D Center EVP Fanny Liao (Center) Received the Award on Behalf of FENC (Photo Credit: FENC)

Carbios used a unique enzyme-based process to break down complex PET/polyester wastes into original monomers with low carbon emissions. FENC then transformed these monomers into premium-quality polyester filaments. Salomon converted the filaments to the designed shoe uppers and assembled to final pairs of shoes. The three companies created a complete circular system — from wastes, to monomers and polyester polymers, and to final products. Besides the shoes, FENC and Carbios also produced T-shirts made from complex PET/polyester wastes with additional weaving, dyeing and sawing processes. This was the first time to manufacture polyester T-shirts from Carbios’ biorecycling technology on the existing production lines. By demonstrating the compatibility of biorecycling with existing production lines and processes, FENC and Carbios have demonstrated a “plug-and-play” solution for converting non-recyclable waste into high-end textiles.
This not only reduces environmental impacts but also fulfills global sustainability goals.

FENC was the only Taiwanese company to be recognized for the ITMF Awards this year. It shows FENC’s leading role among international suppliers. This honor also highlights Taiwan’s strength in global collaborations and innovations. (Photo Credit: FENC)

Fanny Liao, EVP of RD, FENC:
“As the long-term member of ITMF, FENC is very honored to receive this award.  To produce the world's 1st bio-recycled PET/polyester products, there were a lot of hurdles to be overcome because of no previous experience to follow.  Thanks to Carbios’ and Salomon’s colleagues for working together for the world's first records of these two products! This award encourages our textile industry to adapt to biotechnology and cross-border collaborations.”

Vincent Kamel, CEO, CARBIOS:
“This recognition by ITMF is a strong encouragement to pursue our mission: making circularity a reality for plastics and textiles. Together with FENC and Salomon, we have demonstrated that international collaboration can accelerate the shift toward more sustainable solutions. This award belongs to all teams who worked hand in hand to turn an ambitious vision into concrete products.”

Guillaume Meyzenq, President & CEO, SALOMON: 
“Proud to share this recognition with Carbios and FENC. It proves that when industry partners align around innovation and impact, circularity can move from promise to practice.”

About Far Eastern New Century (FENC)
Founded in 1949 as the parent company of the conglomerate Far Eastern Group, FENC is an international company, based in Taiwan, operating in the USA, Japan, Mainland China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines, and sales to name brands around the world.  FENC is the only PET/polyester supplier in the world that has a full vertical integration to offer a product spectrum spanning from raw materials to consumer-end products such as yarns, fabrics and garments. The company's 2024 consolidated revenues reached USD$8.3 billion with USD$22 billion in total assets.
To learn more about FENC please visit http://www.fenc.com

About CARBIOS
CARBIOS is a biotechnology company that develops and industrializes biological solutions to reinvent the lifecycle of plastics and textiles. Inspired by nature, CARBIOS designs enzyme-based biological processes to break down plastics, with the mission of preventing plastic and textile pollution and accelerating the transition to a circular economy. Its two innovative technologies—dedicated to PET biorecycling and PLA biodegradation—are currently scaling up to industrial and commercial levels. Its industrial demonstration plant for biorecycling has been operational since 2021, and construction of the world’s first biorecycling plant is expected to resume before the end of 2025, subject to securing the necessary additional funding. CARBIOS is supported by prestigious brands in the cosmetics, food, and apparel industries, aiming to improve the recyclability and circularity of their products. Nestlé Waters, PepsiCo, and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe are members of a packaging consortium founded by CARBIOS and L’Oréal. On, Patagonia, PUMA, PVH Corp., and Salomon collaborate with CARBIOS in a textile consortium. CARBIOS is part of the global community of B Corp™ certified companies that are transforming their business models to serve the common good. Visit www.carbios.com/en to find out more about biotechnology powering plastic and textile circularity.

About SALOMON
Salomon is a modern mountain sports lifestyle brand creating innovative, premium, and authentic footwear, apparel and winter sports equipment in the French Alps. At the Annecy Design Center, designers, engineers, and athletes intersect to shape the future of sports and culture. At Salomon, we exist to unleash the best in people through mountain sports.
To learn more about SALOMON please visit https://www.salomon.com/