Reju Unveils Plans for Groundbreaking Regeneration Hub in Rochester, New York

Reju, a pioneering company in the textile-to-textile regeneration sector, has made a significant announcement regarding the establishment of its first industrial-sized facility in the United States, located in Rochester, New York. This initiative represents a monumental step in Reju's mission to promote a circular textile economy on a global scale.

Situated on an expansive 18.9 acres within the Eastman Business Park, Reju's new facility aims to regenerate around 300 million textile articles annually, diverting these materials from landfill and repurposing them for future use. The facility's capabilities include the production of rBHET, a recycled product that will be repolymerized into Reju PET, thereby contributing significantly to reducing textile waste.

Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "As our first Regeneration Hub in the United States, this site selection is a major leap forward in building a truly global circular system. We are proud to bring Reju's sustainable manufacturing and jobs to the Rochester community." The facility will also help diversify and near-shore manufacturing processes, making it a vital player in the U.S. market.

The decision to move forward with this facility is pending a final investment decision from the board of Technip Energies, Reju’s parent company. Once approved, the project is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs, supporting New York’s commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. Governor Kathy Hochul praised the initiative, and asserted that initiatives like Reju’s are crucial for cultivating a green economy and preserving the environment.

Reju operates on advanced recycling technology developed by Technip Energies in collaboration with IBM Research. This technology focuses on transforming polyester textile waste into high-quality Reju Polyester, which boasts a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional polyester. This shift not only contributes to a decrease in fossil fuel dependency but reinforces the importance of sustainable resource management within the industry.

Furthermore, this Regeneration Hub will complement Reju's existing Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt, and another hub planned at the Chemelot Industrial Park in Sittard, Netherlands. Together, these facilities underscore the ambitious scale at which Reju intends to operate while demonstrating the feasibility of circular systems in real-world applications.

The cooperative efforts of Reju with global brands, waste aggregators, and textiles mills ensure a seamless textile-to-textile transformation, enhancing transparency in the recycling process. This strategic approach positions Reju as a leader in the circular economy movement, fostering a mindset where post-consumer textile waste is seen as a resource rather than a liability.

Looking forward, Reju is poised to signal to the market that large-scale circularity is attainable. "Reju is investing in a future where post-consumer textile waste becomes a resource, not a liability," Frisk stated. This initiative is not just about creating a new facility; it is about changing the paradigm of waste management and material utilization in the textile industry, thereby contributing positively towards environmental sustainability.

For more information on this initiative and Reju's commitment to sustainability, visit reju.com.