On Transforms Air Pollution into High-Performance Running Gear

In a world where sportswear meets sustainability, Swiss brand On is leading the charge with a revolutionary approach to polyester production. Imagine this: clothing made not from petroleum, but from captured carbon emissions. 

Partnering with biotech innovators LanzaTech, On is pioneering a process that transforms pollution into performance fabric, blending innovation with purpose. 

Here’s how it works: gases from a steel mill in China are captured and fed to microbes in bioreactors, where, much like brewing beer, they are converted into ethanol. 

This ethanol is then transformed into polyester, forming the core of On’s Pace collection—a new line of running apparel that lets athletes make a positive impact with every mile.

CleanCloud, the name given to this game-changing material, embodies On’s commitment to merging top-notch functionality with aesthetics—all while pushing the limits of sustainable production.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Currently, only 20% of the polyester can come from recycled emissions, since the remaining 80%—PTA—still relies on fossil sources. 

But On is relentless, actively exploring options to de-fossilize PTA as well, and it’s calling on consumers and fellow brands to join this movement. “With the Pace collection, we hope to inspire a groundswell of support for sustainable innovation,” says Atrogge. "Our aim is to show what’s possible when creativity meets environmental responsibility." This isn’t just clothing—it’s a call to action.