Textile recycling is one of the most sustainable efforts for a sustainable future. In this regard, developed countries are already utilizing various techniques to recycle textile in a fight for the climate. Renewcell and Valmet Oyj (Finland) have signed a contract for Valmet to deliver the leading equipment for Renewcell’s planned 60,000 metric-ton capacity textile recycling plant at Ortviken industrial site Sundsvall, Sweden.
The large textile recycling project is a significant milestone in establishing the first-of-its-kind commercial-scale textile-recycling plant globally. Renewcell’s new Ortviken plant is scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2022. The value of the order is around €25 million. The order is included in Valmet’s orders received for the first quarter of 2021.
Renewcell can upcycle cellulosic textile waste through its patented processes, such as cotton and viscose clothes, transforming it into a dissolving pulp product called Circulose, produced from 100% recycled textiles. In 2018 Renewcell opened a demonstration plant in Kristinehamn, Sweden, producing up to 4,500 metric tons of Circulose per year.
The new Ortviken plant will have a capacity of 60,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) with a possibility to increase the capacity in the future.
Patrik Lundstrom, CEO of Renewcell, said, “We have gone through a rigorous selection process and are confident that Valmet is the best possible long-term partner to Renewcell on our mission to change the global fashion industry. With a trusted supplier like Valmet providing the core equipment, we reduce project risk and gain a committed partner with industry-leading expertise.
We look forward to working closely with Valmet to put together a top-of-the-line textile recycling plant concept ready to be rolled out not just at Ortviken but worldwide. By replacing virgin textile fibers like cotton with fibers produced from Circulose, fashion brands can significantly reduce the climate and environmental impact caused by raw material extraction and fashion waste generation. We have been recognized for our work to make fashion more sustainable. Most recently, Circulose was included as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Inventions 2020.”
Bertel Karlstedt, President, Pulp and Energy business line, Valmet, said, “Sustainable textile recycling is well aligned with Valmet’s mission of converting renewable resources into sustainable results. I’m very proud that Renewcell selected Valmet as the key supplier for this groundbreaking plant. Our teams have been working well together in developing these solutions and I’m delighted to see this outcome. This will be an important project and a key reference within this new business area, and we look forward to continued cooperation with Renewcell.
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