#USA #Reju #Rochester #Technip Energies

Reju's New Regeneration Center in Rochester, New York

Reju, the innovative textile regeneration company, recently announced a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts by selecting Rochester, New York, as the location for its first regeneration center in the United States. This new facility underscores Reju's commitment to establishing circular textile systems in key regions around the world.

Location and Impact

The selected site encompasses 18.9 acres at the Eastman Business Park. Reju aims to regenerate the equivalent of 300 million textile articles annually. By doing so, the company seeks to divert these materials from ending up as waste, converting them into high-quality recycled polyester (Reju-PET) through an advanced recycling process. This groundbreaking initiative not only supports sustainability goals but also enhances the local economy by creating approximately 70 new jobs in the Rochester area.

Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju, expressed enthusiasm about this location choice. He stated, "As our first regeneration center in the U.S., this site selection is a major step forward in building a truly global circular system. We are proud to bring Reju's sustainable production and jobs to the Rochester community." This new hub will complement existing operations, including the Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt and Regeneration Hub One in the Chemelot Industrial Park in the Netherlands.

Innovative Technology

Reju employs a unique recycling technology developed in collaboration with Technip Energies and IBM Research to transform polyester textile waste into high-quality recycled polyester. The resulting product boasts a 50% lower carbon footprint compared to traditional polyester and is engineered for multiple cycles of recycling. This innovation significantly reduces the dependence of the textile industry on fossil resources, pushing forward a more sustainable future.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised Reju's decision, highlighting the state's commitment to supporting initiatives that not only create well-paying jobs but also contribute to environmental sustainability. "Reju’s ambitious project demonstrates how smart investments can transform waste into opportunities, furthering our state's efforts towards a green economy while creating a better future for all," Hochul said.

Community and Business Partnerships

The establishment of the U.S. Regeneration Hub reinforces Reju's presence in the American market, indicating the company's intent to lead in textile recycling. Reju collaborates with global brands, factories, and waste aggregators to ensure complete traceability from textile to textile, effectively turning clothing that would have been discarded into raw materials for a new circular economy.

Jim Moran, President of Eastman Business Park, expressed his excitement about welcoming Reju. He stated, "Kodak is excited to welcome Reju to the Eastman Business Park. We look forward to helping Reju create a system where textile waste becomes a thing of the past by leveraging our park's unique infrastructure and capabilities."

Frisk highlighted that Reju aims to turn post-consumer textile waste into a resource rather than a burden. He noted, "This is a signal to the market that large-scale circular economy initiatives are possible. Now is the time to ensure that this momentum continues to grow."

In conclusion, Reju’s new facility in Rochester is set to revolutionize the textile recycling industry in the United States, leading the charge towards sustainability while contributing to job creation and economic development. The company strongly believes that by investing in a future where textile waste is transformed into valuable resources, we can collectively pave the way for a greener planet.

For further information, please visit reju.com.