Partnering with H&M Group and Worn Again Technologies on the closed-loop system
Winterthur, Switzerland – Sulzer Chemtech is supporting the design and building of a new facility for Worn Again Technologies that will convert cotton and polyester garments into polyester pellets and cellulosic pulp that will be re-spun into new fibers.
Sulzer, along with fashion brand H&M Group, are majority owners in U.K.-based Worn Again Technologies, an early-stage technology company, and previously launched an R&D pilot plant. For the new facility, Sulzer will provide the equipment and technology for Worn Again’s closed-loop textile recycling process.
Worn Again Technologies’ process tackles many of the major issues and barriers with recycling, such as the mix of cotton and polyester fibers and the use of dyes, fillers and additives. According to Sulzer, it is estimated that just 1% of clothing is recycled into new garments. The process developed by Worn Again uses Sulzer’s customized distillation, extraction and polymer solutions for the textile upcycling process.
The new demonstration plant is expected to have a planned output of 1,000 tons per year.
Torsten Wintergerste, division president of Chemtech, was also named chairman for Worn Again Technologies.
“I am honored by the trust Worn Again Technologies and H&M Group have shown me to become chairman of the board,” said Wintergerste. “Sulzer is highly committed to lead the development of sustainable processes by leveraging our extensive experience in separation technology. This is why we are happy to be the technology expert for Worn Gain and support its vision to eradicate textile waste and get to a world where resources are kept in constant circulation.”