STOCKHOLM – Recycling technology business Renewcell and German viscose specialist Kelheim Fibres have signed a Letter of Intent for a long term commercial collaboration. The two will collaborate on developing commercial scale production of viscose fibers from up to 10 000 tonnes of Renewcell’s 100 per cent textile recycled material Circulose annually. The pair claim the collaboration “paves the way toward a fully European closed loop in which textile waste is collected, recycled and regenerated into new Circulose fibres for people that want to reduce their fashion footprint significantly.”
Through its patented process, Renewcell is able to upcycle cellulosic textile waste, such as cotton clothes, into a new material called Circulose. Fast Company recently named Renewcell as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies 2021. Circulose was also included on TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 Best Inventions 2020.
“European fashion consumption has great impact on climate and the environment globally. It also contributes to tremendous amounts of waste going into landfill and incinerators either in Europe or abroad after export. We will now work with Kelheim to prevent waste and reduce the need for virgin resources, while also enabling a fully regional supply of low impact circular fibers for textiles,” said Lundström, CEO of Renewcell. “We are thrilled for the opportunity to work closely with a partner like Kelheim, who is at the leading edge of innovation and sustainability in this industry.”
Craig Barker, CEO at Kelheim Fibres added: “We see an excellent fit between our two companies, not only on the technical side – with Renewcell we have found a highly professional partner who shares our vision for future-forward technologies that enable full circularity in the textile chain. Finding the answers to the challenges of our times is what drives us every day.
“Our recycled cellulose fibre solution – made of Renewcell’s Circulose and manufactured using environmentally sound processes at our Kelheim plant – is an answer to the fashion industries need for sustainable, resource- and waste-reducing solutions, and a more regional and reliable supply chain.”