KELHEIM - Speciality viscose fibre manufacturer Kelheim Fibres has signed a Letter of Intent with Renewcell for a long term commercial collaboration to add a crucial missing link for a circular economy for textiles in Europe.
Through its patented process, Renewcell is able to upcycle cellulosic textile waste, such as cotton clothes, transforming it into a high quality new material called Circulose. Together, the two companies will collaborate on developing commercial scale production of superior quality viscose fibres from up to 10,000 tonnes of Circulose per year.
In a joint statement, the two companies said that the collaboration paved the way toward a fully European closed loop in which textile waste is collected, recycled and regenerated into new Circulose fibres for people that want to reduce their fashion footprint significantly.
“European fashion consumption has great impact on climate and the environment globally. It also contributes to tremendous amounts of waste going into landfill and incinerators either in Europe or abroad after export. We
will now work with Kelheim to prevent waste and reduce the need for virgin resources, while also enabling a fully regional supply of low impact circular fibers for textiles,” said Patrik Lundstrom, CEO of Renewcell. “We are thrilled for the opportunity to work closely with a partner like Kelheim, who is at the leading edge of innovation and sustainability in this industry.”
Craig Barker, CEO at Kelheim Fibre added: "We see an excellent fit between our two companies, not only on the technical side. With Renewcell we have found a highly professional partner who shares our vision for future forward technologies that enable full circularity in the textile chain. Finding the answers to the challenges of our times is what drives us every day.
Our recycled cellulose fibre solution made of Renewcell’s Circulose and manufactured using environmentally sound processes at our Kelheim plant is an answer to the fashion industry's need for sustainable, resource and waste reducing solutions, and a more regional and reliable supply chain.”
