Reju set for US textile recycling first

French textile-to-textile recycler Reju plans to establish a ‘regeneration hub’ in Rochester, New York – its first industrial facility in the US.

Reju says it reinforces a commitment to adopt its circular textile system across key regions worldwide. The site spans 18.9 acres on Eastman Business Park and the goal is to regenerate the equivalent of 300 million articles. Textile waste will produce rBHET that will then be repolymerised into Reju PET.

The project is subject to final investment decision by the board of Technip Energies, the parent company of Reju. 

Major leap

‘As our first regeneration hub in the United States, this site selection is a major leap forward in building a truly global circular system,’ says Patrik Frisk, ceo of Reju. ‘We are proud to bring Reju’s sustainable manufacturing and jobs to the Rochester community.’

Reju uses proprietary recycling technology developed by Technip Energies and IBM Research. The regenerated material has a 50% lower carbon footprint than virgin polyester and is engineered to be recyclable multiple times.

A demo plant is operating in Frankfurt, Germany and the selection of another hub at Sittard, Netherlands, was announced earlier. The US project will create approximately 70 new jobs.

US footprint

The proposed hub strengthens Reju’s US footprint. ‘Reju is investing in a future where post-consumer textile waste becomes a resource, not a liability,’ Frisk adds. ‘It’s a signal to the market that circularity at scale is possible and now is the time to ensure the momentum continues to build.’