#United States #Reju #Rochester #Regeneration

Reju's Groundbreaking Regeneration Hub in Rochester, NY

Reju, a pioneering textile regeneration company, has officially announced the selection of Rochester, New York, as the site for its first large-scale industrial regeneration center in the United States. This significant initiative marks a vital step in Reju's goal of expanding its operations globally and supporting the transition toward a circular textile economy.

The chosen site spans an impressive 18.9 acres within the Eastman Business Park. Here, Reju plans to regenerate around 300 million articles of textiles annually that would otherwise contribute to the growing problem of textile waste. This facility is not just about reclaiming materials; it’s designed to produce regenerated BHET (rBHET), which will be further repolymerized into Reju PET. This sustainable approach offers a comprehensive solution to the textile industry's waste challenge.

Reju's CEO, Patrik Frisk, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility, stating, "This site selection is a significant advancement in our pursuit of creating a truly global circular system. We are proud to bring sustainable manufacturing and Reju jobs to the Rochester community." This center will serve as a critical component of Reju's expanding network of regeneration sites, complementing existing operations in Frankfurt and the recently announced site in Chemelot, Netherlands.

Innovative Recycling Technology

At the heart of Reju's operation is a unique recycling technology developed in collaboration with Technip Energies and IBM Research. This innovative system focuses primarily on recycling polyester textiles, transforming waste into high-quality Reju polyester. Notably, this regenerated material boasts a carbon footprint that is 50% lower than that of virgin polyester, positioning Reju as a leader in sustainable textile solutions.

Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of this investment, commenting, "New York State is committed to creating well-paying jobs and supporting innovative projects that aim to prevent the landfill disposal of materials and safeguard our planet." The ambitious project is expected to generate approximately 70 new jobs within the Eastman Business Park, showcasing how intelligent investments can create opportunities from waste while bolstering the state’s green economy efforts.

Furthermore, Jim Moran, President of Kodak Eastman Business Park, shared his excitement about hosting Reju, indicating their eagerness to support the company's vision of a waste-free textile system. By leveraging the robust infrastructure and unique capabilities of the business park, they aim to help Reju achieve its recycling goals.

Commitment to a Circular Economy

Through partnerships with global brands, factories, and waste aggregators, Reju ensures complete traceability from textile to textile. This endeavor is crucial in transforming clothing that would be discarded or incinerated into valuable raw materials for a new circular economy.

Reju's latest center not only strengthens its footprint in the U.S. but also sends a powerful message to the market: large-scale circularity is achievable. As Frisk emphasized, "Reju is investing in a future where post-consumer textile waste becomes a resource rather than a burden, signaling that now is the time to maintain momentum in this crucial movement."

In summary, Reju’s decision to establish a large-scale regeneration facility in Rochester is a pioneering move towards revitalizing the textile recycling industry. It presents a promising opportunity to create sustainable jobs, reduce waste, and contribute to a circular textile economy thought to be unattainable until now. For more details, visit reju.com.

About Reju

Reju is a textile regeneration company focused on innovative solutions for recycling post-consumer polyester textiles and PET waste. Backed by Technip Energies and leveraging technology derived from IBM research, Reju aims to establish a global circular textile system addressing the challenges posed by textile waste.