#USA #Denver #ReCircled #Merrick #hydrothermal

ReCircled Enhances Recycling with Merrick Partnership

In a significant move toward sustainable waste management, ReCircled LLC, a company specializing in processing footwear, apparel, and accessories, has announced a partnership with Merrick & Company. This collaboration aims to develop advanced hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) systems, which will play a pivotal role in tackling complex waste streams that traditional recycling systems struggle to handle.

On July 30, 2025, ReCircled officially signed an agreement with Merrick, a leader in hydrothermal liquefaction technology. This agreement marks the beginning of an ambitious venture aimed at creating ReCircled’s first HTL processing units. These units will enhance ReCircled's capacity to recycle difficult materials, addressing a critical gap in the circular economy.

ReCircled is focused on handling an array of complex waste streams, including mixed textiles, EVA materials from sneaker soles, post-consumer leather, mixed hard and soft plastics with fiberglass and wood components, as well as multi-layer composite packaging. Traditionally, these materials have posed significant recycling challenges, often ending up in landfills. Scott Kuhlman, CEO of ReCircled, emphasized the necessity of collaboration in recycling efforts, stating, "From the beginning, we knew that collaboration was needed to build the systems that allow for recycling textiles at the highest level."

The introduction of the HTL process—utilizing heat and pressure to break down complex materials into useful outputs—marks a critical evolution in ReCircled’s capabilities. This method is particularly suited for the mixed-material waste that the company encounters through its take-back programs and retail partnerships. Additionally, optimizing particle size reduction has become essential for overall system performance, prompting ReCircled to collaborate with innovative startups like VECOPLAN.

As part of this strategic enhancement, ReCircled has also fortified its engineering team by bringing Graham Towerton on board as the new Director of Engineering. Towerton, who has a rich background encompassing 35 years in oil refining, petrochemicals, mining, and biofuels, stated, "Merrick will start Front End Loading work for ReCircled soon, and we will be conducting lab and pilot plant testing of various waste feedstocks in the upcoming months."

In light of these advancements, Kuhlman expressed his enthusiasm for the recent developments and the addition of Merrick’s engineering expertise to the project team. He noted the potential for this partnership to close the loop for materials previously deemed non-recyclable. Together, ReCircled and Merrick aim to revolutionize the approach to waste disposal in the textile industry, championing sustainability and circularity at every step.

This partnership is just one of many innovative collaborations for ReCircled, which has previously worked with companies like Kaltex USA on circular denim initiatives and expanded into Asian markets through the PATCHWORKS platform in collaboration with industry leaders such as Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Nakano Co. Ltd.

Merrick & Company, established in 1955, is renowned for its engineering and architectural prowess, with extensive experience in energy and bioprocessing projects. Its specialization in HTL technology positions it as an excellent partner for ReCircled as it embarks on its ambitious journey into complex waste processing.

As ReCircled continues to push the envelope in sustainable material processing, this partnership represents a bold step forward in the collective effort to enhance recycling efforts and minimize waste. Through innovation and collaboration, both companies aim to achieve remarkable advancements in the realm of sustainable waste management, effectively paving the way for a more circular economy.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Scott Kuhlman
CEO, ReCircled LLC
Phone: 612-859-7397
Email: [email protected]