#Recycling / Circular Economy

2024-11-08

Birla Cellulose and Circ partner to accelerate scaling textile recycling innovation

Birla Cellulose, the cellulosic fibres business of the Aditya Birla Group and one of the world’s leading Man-Made Cellulosic Fibre (MMCF) producers through its flagship company Grasim Industries Limited, and Circ, a US-based textile-to-textile recycling innovator, have announced a long-term strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the scaling of recycling fibres within the textiles sector.

This groundbreaking collaboration proposes, for Birla Cellulose to purchase up-to 5,000 tons of Circ's pulp, per year, for a period of 5 years from Circ's first commercial-scale facility. This pulp will be converted into lyocell staple fibre, significantly enhancing access to recycled materials and supporting Circ as it scales its commercial production.

"Our partnership with Birla Cellulose, a leading global producer of MMCFs, is significant as it demonstrates both Circ’s ongoing progress towards scalability as well as the industry's commitment to investing in a truly circular economy," said Peter Majeranowski, CEO of Circ. "Together, we are poised to create a more sustainable fashion future by integrating recycled materials into textiles on the global stage."

Dr. Aspi Patel, Chief Technology Officer of Grasim Industries Limited, said, "This partnership reflects our deep commitment to environmental stewardship and represents a crucial step in advancing innovation within the textile industry. By combining Circ's cutting-edge recycling technology with our cellulosic fibres, we are significantly enhancing the potential for a truly circular economy."

As brands and consumers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly options, the supply chain will play a pivotal role in facilitating demand. The partnership between Birla Cellulose and Circ demonstrates the role of collaboration in effectively scaling recycling initiatives. With the appetite for recycled materials outpacing the current supply, Birla Cellulose's willingness to procure and utilize Circ pulp ensures Birla Cellulose's customers have access to high-quality recycled Circ Lyocell. This partnership enables brands and supply chain partners can partake and play their part in the future of the global fashion industry.

Both companies are committed to promoting circular economy practices and reducing environmental impact through innovative technology and material reuse. They are also aligned on their shared vision for a sustainable future with a promise to set new benchmarks in the textile industry.

Indorama Ventures strengthens Packaging business through strategic circular PET partnership

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, today announced a strategic partnership through Indovida, Indorama Ventures’ packaging business segment, with Suntory Holdings Limited, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Iwatani Corporation, to bring commercial-scale circular PET packaging to Thailand. The collaboration further strengthens Indorama Ventures’ downstream packaging platform while expanding its leadership in circular packaging solutions.

Managed workwear services are providing a blueprint for the circular textile economy

Managed workwear service providers are demonstrating how commercial success and circularity can go hand in hand by extending garment lifespans through repair, laundering, reuse and recycling, according to “Managed workwear services—a circular textile economy ahead of the game”, a new 14‑page report from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.

Eco-design as the foundation of circular textiles

Based on the results of an extensive European analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is currently developing three practice-based training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. This was preceded by a comprehensive company survey and a joint analysis conducted by the project partners under the leadership of IVGT. The results show that the greatest challenges lie not so much in a lack of technology as in skills gaps.

Usha Yarns secures growth equity investment from Fullerton Carbon Action Fund

Usha Yarns Limited (“Usha Yarns”), a producer of high-quality recycled yarns with advanced, well established production processes, announced a growth equity investment from the Fullerton Carbon Action Fund (“Fullerton”), a private equity strategy managed by Fullerton Fund Management that backs established mid-market companies across Emerging Asia to accelerate decarbonisation.

SAITEX reports efficiency gains and greater transparency in 2025 Impact Report

Vietnam-based denim manufacturer SAITEX has published its 2025 Impact Report, documenting progress in resource efficiency, chemical management, digital traceability and knowledge sharing across its manufacturing operations in Vietnam and the United States. Rather than focusing on sustainability ambitions, the report presents operational data, manufacturing developments and lessons learned from the past year.

Aid by Trade Foundation presents annual report for 2025: Market position and impact of sustainably verified natural fibres strengthened

Despite global supply chain challenges, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) was able to further expand its international role in promoting sustainably verified natural fibres in 2025. In doing so, the foundation remains true to its fundamental approach of leveraging market forces. Last year, it generated total revenues of EUR 7.8 million; this included EUR 6.7 million collected through the successful marketing of four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). AbTF invested the resulting income in projects aiming to protect biodiversity, support women, increase transparency in the textile supply chain, and implement its verification system.

Barmag presents metering pump solutions at ASE China

From September 15 to 17, 2026, Barmag’s Pumps Division will present its solutions for the precise delivery and metering of adhesives, sealants, and other high-viscosity media at ASE China at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The focus of the exhibition will be on high-precision gear metering pumps that help plant managers sustainably optimize material usage, process stability, and product quality. (Booth E4235).

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.