#France #Reju #circular economy #Textile Regeneration #Lacq

Reju Announces New Regeneration Hub in Lacq, France

Reju, a prominent textile-to-textile regeneration company, has made headlines with its latest announcement regarding the establishment of a state-of-the-art Regeneration Hub in Lacq, France. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Europe's circular textile infrastructure.

Tackling Textile Waste

Each year, roughly 121 million tons of textile waste are thrown away, yet a staggering 99% of it is not recycled into new garments. Instead, it often ends up in landfills or is incinerated, amplifying pressing environmental issues. Reju aims to reverse this trend by introducing innovative technologies that transform discarded textiles into high-quality recycled materials. The new hub will focus on processing post-consumer textiles and converting them into rBHET, a vital ingredient for producing new polyester products.

Strengthening France's Circular Economy Leadership

Situated on the Induslacq platform within the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, Reju's Regeneration Hub not only underscores France’s ambition to lead in circular, low-carbon industrial innovation but also solidifies the country's position in the global textile industry. Utilizing proprietary depolymerization technologies developed in collaboration with Technip Energies, Reju intends to leverage national waste streams as raw materials.

The strategic partnership with Technip Energies will enable Reju to benefit from their engineering expertise to effectively execute the building and operation of this facility. This venture aligns with Reju's mission to regenerate textile waste into valuable, sustainable materials.

Job Creation and Local Economic Impact

The establishment of the Regeneration Hub is projected to create approximately 80 direct jobs and over 300 indirect jobs in the region, highlighting the local economic benefits of this project. Reju CEO Patrik Frisk emphasized the importance of this venture in reinforcing the company’s mission: “This French Regeneration Hub builds on our strategy to industrialize a circular post-consumer textile-to-textile model.”

The project represents a significant step toward decarbonization and promotes the reuse of materials, contributing to a sustainable future for the textile industry. Through this hub, Reju aims to establish a scalable circular infrastructure that ensures traceability in textile materials, thus closing the loop in fiber use.

Commitment to Sustainable Practices

Reju’s commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond this hub. The company is involved in multiple initiatives aimed at developing a comprehensive textile-to-textile sector across Europe, including existing operations such as Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt and future plans for facilities in the Netherlands and the United States.

The Lacq hub is supported by Chemparc, a local development agency, demonstrating collective efforts from regional authorities and industries to bolster low-carbon circular economies. Chemparc’s CEO, Audrey Le-Bars, noted the strategic importance of this site selection as a part of their continuing support for industrial developments in the area.

Conclusion

Reju’s initiative represents a beacon of hope in the textile industry, illustrating how innovative technologies can be harnessed to repurpose waste sustainably. As Reju sets its sights on reinforcing its presence in France, it not only aims to turn the tide on textile waste but also to inspire broader adoption of circular economy principles worldwide. Through collaboration, sustainability becomes an attainable goal in the journey to innovate and regenerate resources effectively.