#Netherlands #Reju #Chemelot #Sittard-Geleen #Regeneration Center

Reju Unveils First Regeneration Center Plans

In a groundbreaking announcement today, Reju™, a leader in textile regeneration technology, revealed its decision to set up the Regeneration Hub One at Chemelot Industrial Park in Sittard-Geleen, Netherlands. This facility will serve as the company's first industrial-level textile-to-textile recycling center, marking a significant step towards revolutionizing textile waste management in Europe.

A Strategic Milestone

The selection of Chemelot aligns with Reju’s strategic goals to enhance large-scale textile waste recycling. Chemelot is not just a prime industrial location but a hub of innovation; it houses numerous companies committed to sustainable practices. This partnership aims to leverage existing infrastructure and industrial synergies to scale operations efficiently and effectively.

Reju’s CEO, Patrik Frisk, emphasized the importance of this new facility, stating, “This is a major milestone for Reju. With the announcement of the Regeneration Hub One location, we reinforce our commitment to transforming the textile industry through innovation and collaboration.”

Driving Circularity in Textiles

The Regeneration Center aims to process approximately 300 million textile items annually, significantly reducing the volume that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste. By producing up to 50,000 tons of recycled rBHET each year, Reju plans to repolymerize this into PET, creating polyester with 50% lower carbon emissions than conventional polyester. The recycled polyester will then re-enter the supply chain, being transformed into threads and fabrics ready for consumer use.

The urgency of such innovations is underscored by growing textile consumption in Europe, averaging 19 kg per person in 2022, alongside increasing textile waste, which saw around 94 million tons discarded—the majority set for incineration or landfill.

Collaborating for a Greener Future

The launch of the Regeneration Hub One will be subject to final investment decisions from the board of Technip Energies, Reju's parent company. Through earlier collaborations, Reju has ensured the traceability of textile waste and is actively working to guarantee that waste, which would otherwise be burned or buried, is repurposed:

• - A partnership with Goodwill and Waste Management in the U.S. promotes textile recycling.
• - Collaborations with Nouvelles Fibres Textiles enhance the automatic sorting of clothing materials, including zippers and buttons.
• - Initiatives with Rematrix aim to establish a sustainable textile supply chain within Europe.

Koos van Haasteren, CEO of Chemelot, remarked on Reju’s innovative approach, stating, “At Chemelot, we are committed to fostering sustainable innovation and implementing circular solutions across sectors. Reju's Regeneration Hub aligns with our mission of pushing for a circular economy and can significantly help in minimizing textile waste.”

Government Support and Future Vision

The establishment of this recycling center is supported by the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth. Minister Sophie Hermans highlighted the significance of Reju’s decision as a milestone for the Netherlands, stating that it represents a future-oriented industry that contributes to green growth and enhances the country’s position in the circular economy.

Reju aims to position itself at the forefront of creating a global circular economy for textiles, focusing on polyester recycling. This initiative not only supports sustainability but also addresses the critical issue of textile waste, paving the way for future innovations in the industry.

For more details and updates, visit reju.com.

About Reju

Reju is an innovative material regeneration company that specializes in creating solutions for recycling polyester textiles and PET waste. Owned by Technip Energies, with technology derived from IBM research, Reju is dedicated to creating a sustainable global recycling system for textile regeneration.

About Technip Energies

Technip Energies is a global powerhouse in engineering and technology, focusing on key markets such as energy transition and sustainable chemistry. With over 17,000 employees and operations in 34 countries, Technip is committed to marrying prosperity with sustainability to create a lasting future.