Reju Announces Its First Large-Scale Recycling Center in Rochester, New York

Reju's Groundbreaking Recycling Center in Rochester, NY

Reju, a pioneering company in textile recycling, has taken a significant step in its global expansion by announcing the location of its first industrial-scale recycling facility in the United States. This facility will be situated in Rochester, New York, and is expected to contribute substantially to the establishment of a circular textile system globally.

Location and Operations

The newly selected site spans 18.9 acres at Eastman Business Park and is set to have an ambitious goal: to recycle the equivalent of 300 million textile items annually that would otherwise contribute to waste. By producing recycled bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (rBHET), this facility will enable the repolymerization into Reju PET, significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with textile production.

Sustainable Practices and Job Creation

This project will not only address critical environmental issues but also foster job creation. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of this center, stating it is expected to generate approximately 70 new jobs in the region. Moreover, this initiative underlines New York's commitment to fostering well-paying jobs and innovative projects aimed at waste reduction and environmental protection.

Jim Moran from Kodak welcomed Reju to Eastman Business Park, expressing optimism about their goal to create a system free of textile waste. The partnership will leverage the existing infrastructure of Eastman Business Park, enhancing the overall sustainability of the area.

Technological Innovation

Reju is utilizing proprietary recycling technology developed in collaboration with Technip Energies and IBM Research, focusing initially on polyester. This advanced process will produce high-quality polyester with a significantly lower carbon footprint, designed for repeated recyclability. This innovation is part of a broader strategy to decrease the industry's reliance on fossil materials, aligning with global sustainability goals.

A Moving Step Towards Circular Economy

Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju, articulated the importance of this facility, stating, "As our first recycling center in the United States, the selection of this site is a major step forward in building a truly global circular system." He added that Reju's commitment to sustainability and job creation not only benefits the local community but also serves as a model for other regions.

The announcement of this American recycling center complements ongoing projects globally, including the Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt and a similar facility in the Chemelot industrial park in Sittard, Netherlands. These initiatives demonstrate Reju's commitment to establishing a comprehensive network of recycling centers worldwide.

Future Outlook

As the textile industry faces increasing pressure to address waste management and sustainability challenges, Reju's plans signify a bold direction toward sustainable practices. By investing in a future where post-consumer textile waste is seen as a resource rather than a burden, Reju aims to change the narrative surrounding textile production and waste management.

With the establishment of this facility, Reju sends a clear message to the market: large-scale circular economies are not only possible but necessary for a sustainable future. The facility is not just projected to revamp local economic conditions but will also inspire systemic change in how the textile industry approaches waste.

For more information about Reju and its initiatives, visit reju.com.