Renewcell-Lenzing deal heralds circular fibre production

Swedish textile-to-textile recycling pioneer Renewcell has struck a deal to supply up to 100 000 tonnes of its patented dissolving pulp derived from fabrics to Austrian fibre producer Lenzing Group.

The pair have signed a multi-year supply agreement ‘to accelerate the transition of the textile industry from a linear to a circular business model’. Renewcell will deliver its 100% recycled textile Circulose dissolving pulp to Lenzing over a five-year period to be used in the production of cellulosic fibres for fashion and other textile applications.

Circulose originates from textile waste such as old jeans and production scraps. It can then be used in new high-quality textile products.

‘Lenzing is a major player in our industry, with an inspiring track record of path-breaking technical excellence and sustainability leadership,’ says Renewcell ceo Patrik Lundström. ‘Our new partnership fits perfectly into Renewcell’s strategy to accelerate the scale-up of circular materials by collaborating with fashion’s most important players.’

Christian Skilich, chief pulp officer for Lenzing insists the industry must change. ‘By signing the agreement, Lenzing is able to further integrate recycling and accelerate the transition of the textile industry from linear to circular. As champions of sustainability, we know that moving towards a circular economy is vital to address the enormous textile waste challenges of the industry.’

The agreement has been welcomed by Canopy, a not-for-profit environmental organisation. ‘Accelerating the transition to low-impact, circular production is the challenge of the decade for the fashion industry,’ adds Canopy’s executive director. ‘That is why this partnership between Renewcell and Lenzing is so refreshing. It will bring low-carbon next gen solutions to market at scale.’

With its Refribra and Eco Cycle technologies, circular solutions for the textile and nonwovens industries is an essential part of Lenzing’s corporate strategy and ambitious sustainability targets. It plans to offer its Tencel, Lenzing and Ecovero branded specialty textile fibres with up to 50% post-consumer recycled content on a commercial scale by 2025.