Reju Selects Chemelot Industrial Park for Groundbreaking Textile Recycling Center

Reju Announces Regeneration Hub One at Chemelot Industrial Park

Reju™, a pioneering company focused on textile regeneration, has officially selected the Chemelot Industrial Park in Sittard-Geleen, Netherlands, as the location for its first industrial-scale recycling center, dubbed Regeneration Hub One. This announcement marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing issue of textile waste in Europe and worldwide.

Chemelot, a well-known European industrial park, is recognized for its strong focus on innovation and sustainable practices. This new facility aims to leverage the existing infrastructure and industry synergies present at Chemelot to boost Reju's operations effectively. The decision comes on the heels of Reju's successful launch of Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt in October 2024, which proved the viability of their innovative recycling technology.

The primary goal of Regeneration Hub One is to accelerate Reju's mission to establish a circular infrastructure for large-scale textile waste reclamation. The project is ambitious, targeting the regeneration of the equivalent of 300 million textiles annually, which would otherwise contribute to textile waste. Through this initiative, Reju aims to produce about 50,000 tons of recycled rBHET each year. This material will then be repolymerized into Reju PET, significantly reducing carbon emissions, reportedly by 50% when compared to conventional polyester production. The recycled polyester will subsequently reenter supply chains and be transformed into yarns and fabrics ready for consumer use.

The demand for textiles is ever-increasing. Data indicates that textile consumption in Europe rose from 17 kg per person in 2019 to 19 kg per person by 2022, roughly amounting to one large suitcase worth of textiles for every individual residing in Europe. This surge in consumption correlates with a staggering rise in textile waste, with approximately 94 million tons of textiles discarded across EU member states in 2022, a majority of which end up incinerated or buried.

To mitigate this crisis, Reju is committed to enhancing traceability in the textile processing supply chain, ensuring that collected textiles are effectively recycled rather than wasted. Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju, underlined the company’s commitment by stating, "The announcement of Regeneration Hub One confirms our determination to innovate and transform the textile industry through collaboration and cutting-edge technology." He expressed confidence in Chemelot as an ideal environment for expanding their technology while tapping into a network of industrial giants invested in circular economy practices.

Moreover, Koos van Haasteren, CEO of Chemelot, emphasized the park's role in facilitating sustainable innovations and circular solutions across various industries. He noted, "The establishment of Reju's Regeneration Hub One resonates with our mission to promote the shift towards a circular economy, and their advanced textile recycling technology will help set new sustainability benchmarks in the materials sector."

Thanks to the efforts of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the Ministry of Climate Policy and Environmental Development, the site for the recycling center was secured. Minister Sophie Hermans highlighted the significance of Reju’s decision, declaring, "The establishment of an innovative recycling facility at Chemelot positions the Netherlands at the forefront of textile recycling initiatives. This is the type of industry we aim to nurture—sustainable, circular, and future-focused."

Since its inception, Reju has opened its first Regeneration Hub in Frankfurt, partnered with organizations like Goodwill and Waste Management in North America to enhance textile recycling efforts, and formed partnerships with Nouvelles Fibres Textiles and Rematrix to streamline textile processing and supply sustainable textiles.

In conclusion, as Reju embarks on this groundbreaking venture, it sets a precedent for the future of textile recycling and solidifies its role in the nascent industry of circular textiles. Visit reju.com for more details on their innovative initiatives and partnerships in the textile recycling space.