#United States #Reju #Rochester #Regeneration Hub

Reju Announces First U.S. Regeneration Hub in Rochester

Reju, a company specializing in textile regeneration, has officially selected Rochester, New York, as the site for its inaugural industrial-scale facility in the United States. This announcement marks a significant milestone in Reju's global expansion strategy, aimed at revolutionizing the textile recycling industry.

A Commitment to Sustainability

The upcoming Regeneration Hub will be situated on 18.9 acres at Eastman Business Park. The facility's ambitious goal is to regenerate the equivalent of 300 million articles of clothing each year, diverting these textiles from landfills and transforming them into valuable resources. By producing regenerated materials such as rBHET, which can be re-polymerized into Reju PET, the hub embodies a commitment to creating a sustainable circular textile economy.

Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture: "As our first Regeneration Hub in the United States, the site selection marks a crucial step toward establishing a truly global circular system. We are proud to bring sustainable manufacturing and job opportunities to the Rochester community."

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The project promises to create approximately 70 new jobs in the Rochester area, contributing to the local economy. New York Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the initiative, stating, "This ambitious project by Reju will not only create well-paying jobs but also support innovative efforts aimed at preventing materials from ending up in landfills while protecting our planet."

Rochester has a legacy of innovation and refreshingly progressive local policies, making it an ideal location for such a forward-thinking project. Local stakeholders, including Kodak President Jim Moran, have expressed excitement about Reju's presence in Eastman Business Park, emphasizing the synergy between the facility's mission and the community’s goals.

Integrating Advanced Technology

Reju employs proprietary recycling technology developed in collaboration with Technip Energies and IBM Research. This technology particularly focuses on regenerating textile waste, especially polyester, into high-quality Reju Polyester. The regenerated material boasts a 50% smaller carbon footprint compared to virgin polyester and is designed for multiple recycling cycles, thereby reducing industry reliance on fossil fuels.

By establishing this center in Rochester, Reju reinforces its operational footprint in the U.S. The project is a clear signal to the market that large-scale circularity is achievable and that the time is right for actions that will build momentum for a sustainable future.

Looking Ahead

The Reju U.S. Regeneration Hub will serve as a key node in the expanding network of Reju's regenerative centers. It complements the existing Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt and the recently announced Regeneration Hub One in Chemelot Industrial Park in Sittard, Netherlands.

As Reju forges partnerships with global brands, mills, and waste aggregators, it ensures comprehensive traceability of fabrics, repurposing clothing destined for landfills into raw materials for a new circular economy.

Reju is committed to a future where textile waste from consumers becomes a resource rather than a burden. This project highlights the broader potential of intelligent market investments to transform waste into opportunity, affirming New York's commitment to a greener economy and a better future for all.

For further information, visit Reju.