In an emailed press release, Nouryon (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) announced that it had signed an agreement with Renewcell (Stockholm, Sweden) to provide specialty chemicals and engineering solutions for its new textile recycling plant in Sundsvall, Sweden.
Renewcell’s new facility will recycle textile waste, such as worn out jeans and production scraps, to manufacture 60,000 metric tons (66,138.7 tons) of Circulose dissolving pulp per year. According to Renewcell, Circulose “functions as an ‘ingredient brand’ that helps people find the most sustainable virgin-quality fashion piece available.” Sustainable textile fibers such as Circulose can substitute for cotton and non-biodegradable fibers such as polyester.
This new, first-of-its-kind facility, which is scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2022, has the potential to save hundreds of millions of garments from becoming landfill or incinerated, which in turn would reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Nouryon is thrilled to support novel solutions such as this one, which accelerate the growth of the renewable fibers industry, leverage our essential chemistry and specialty solutions, and underpin our commitment to a sustainable future,” says Antonio Carlos Francisco, vice president of renewable fibers at Nouryon.
Using recycled materials in textile manufacturing is an increasingly popular strategy that many expect to play a critical role in reducing the industry’s impact on water, land, and other natural resources.
“Our mission is to change the global fashion industry,” says Patrik Lundström, CEO of Renewcell. “Nouryon is a reliable and well-respected solutions provider to the regenerated fiber industry so we are pleased to partner with them as we embark on this ambitious journey. Nouryon’s experience with innovative, sustainable solutions will play a significant role in the long-term success of our mission.”
“The positive environmental impact of the textile industry’s new sustainable fibers and its potential growth are goals that Nouryon strongly supports,” says Johan Landfors, president of technology solutions at Nouryon. “We are pleased to partner with Renewcell to grow this sustainable industry based on our core competence in renewable fibers chemistry and our engineering capabilities.”