Andritz, an Austria-based multinational technology firm, and CIRC, a US-based mixed textile recycling technology developer, have established a collaboration to bring CIRC's patented textile recycling technology to a commercial scale utilizing Andritz's engineering experience and world-class equipment.

Andritz will develop and build continuous process equipment for CIRC facilities across the world as part of a common long-term business goal. After months of successful CIRC processing testing at several Andritz research and development centers, the agreement was reached.

CIRC's technology can separate and recover mixed polymer streams, such as polyester and cotton blends, which make up the majority of textiles produced.

Jorma Latva-Kokko, Vice President, Mechanical Pulping in the Paper, Fiber, and Recycling division at Andritz, said that with their broad engineering and equipment capabilities, Andritz can allow CIRC's technology to grab a major share of the worldwide circular textile market. Their global technology group designs and manufactures facilities, systems, equipment, and services for a variety of sectors throughout the world. They’re a global pioneer in bespoke engineering for unique technologies, as well as optimized solutions for established industry applications.

Latva-Kokko added that Andritz can transform unique technical capabilities into market domination through its extensive pilot and commercial production testing assets and optimization skills.

Andritz's global technology business delivers plants, systems, equipment, and services to a wide range of sectors. It is a world leader in bespoke engineering for unique technologies, as well as optimal solutions for established industry applications.

Dr. Julie Willoughby, CIRC's chief scientific officer, said that Andritz has a worldwide reach, depth of experience, and a proven record for completing world-class projects. The Andritz team is collaborating with CIRC to bring their vision of a circular economy for textiles and beyond to life. They’re ecstatic with Andritz's high level of expertise and are looking forward to their future chapter together.

CIRC and Andritz are working together to accelerate the commercialization and expansion of CIRC's proprietary recycling technology. The partners have yet to reveal a timeframe for the construction and completion of the first commercial facilities.