Nouryon, a specialty chemicals pioneer headquartered in the Netherlands, has signed an agreement to supply specialist chemicals and technical solutions to Renewcell for its proposed garment recycling plant in Sundsvall, Sweden. The plant would recycle clothing waste including worn-out jeans and production scraps to produce 60,000 metric tonnes of Circulose® dissolving pulp each year.

According to the company, the factory is the first of its kind in the world, and it has the ability to save hundreds of millions of garments from landfills and incineration per year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the textile industry. The facility's operations are expected to begin in the first half of 2022.

Vice president of renewable fibers at Nouryon, Antonio Carlos Francisco, said Nouryon is ecstatic to promote innovative solutions like this one, which help to stimulate the development of the renewable fibers industry, make use of their critical chemistry and specialty solutions, and demonstrate their dedication to a sustainable future.

Cotton and non-biodegradable fibers like polyester are being replaced by new sustainable textile fibers like Circulose. The use of recycled fabrics in textile production is intended to help reduce the textile industry’s impact on water, land, and other natural resources.

CEO of Renewcell, Patrik Lundström, said their goal is to make a difference in the global fashion industry. They are delighted to collaborate with Nouryon as they continue on this exciting journey. Nouryon is a reliable and well-respected solutions provider in the regenerated fiber industry, and they are excited to work with them. Nouryon's experience with innovative, sustainable solutions would be critical to their mission's long-term success.

president technology solutions at Nouryon, Johan Landfors, said Nouryon strongly supports the positive environmental effect of the textile industry's new renewable fibers, as well as its future development. Based on their key expertise in renewable fiber chemistry and engineering skills, they are pleased to collaborate with Renewcell to help expand this sustainable industry.