#Recycling / Circular Economy

2020-12-03

ANDRITZ and Infinited Fiber Company sign equipment development deal

International technology group ANDRITZ and biotechnology group Infinited Fiber Company have signed a cooperation agreement to develop the process and equipment solutions for Infinited Fiber Company’s textile fiber regeneration technology. The technology can turn any cellulose-rich raw material, including discarded textiles, used cardboard or rice or wheat straw, into cellulose carbamate fibers – unique, high-quality textile fibers with the look and feel of cotton. ANDRITZ is the process equipment supplier for the technology. The two companies have worked together to carry out trials since the end of 2019.

Under the newly signed cooperation agreement, which came into effect on 13.11.2020, the two companies will work together to develop the factory process and equipment solutions, aiming to perfect every step in preparation for the technology to be scaled up to commercial scale production. Infinited Fiber Company currently operates two pilot facilities in Finland. The operations have a nominal combined capacity of 150 metric tons/annum.

Under the new agreement, ANDRITZ and Infinited Fiber Company will spend the next six months collaborating on the development, testing and validation of the process and equipment solutions, with ANDRITZ providing equipment for both the mechanical and chemical pre-treatment processes as well as for the carbamation process. This will be followed by factory deliveries, with Infinited Fiber Company expecting to secure a commercial deal or deals during 2021.

“ANDRITZ’s equipment and process portfolio offers good opportunities for fiber production technology, and the cooperation with Infinited Fiber Company is a significant step towards creating a new type of textile fiber. Textile waste recirculation is becoming mandatory in the EU in 2025 and we want to be involved in developing new bio-based fibers from textile waste and also from other pulp-based materials,” says Kari Tuominen, President and CEO of ANDRITZ Oy. “ANDRITZ is a leading factory equipment supplier, and we are delighted to be working with them to prepare our textile fiber regeneration technology for commercialization,” says Infinited Fiber Company Cofounder and CEO Petri Alava. “Bringing to market a new technology, a new fiber type, and even a new way of operating in accordance with circular economy principals requires the creation of a strong ecosystem of experts working towards common goals. We are proud that ANDRITZ is a key member of this ecosystem.”

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

How innovations drive BASF’s success

“Innovation has always been part of BASF’s DNA. Especially in these volatile times, it is crucial to leverage our innovative strength to develop competitive solutions that differentiate us as a company in our markets and give us a competitive edge,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF and Chief Technology Officer, at the company’s Research Press Briefing held today. To achieve this, BASF implemented its “Winning Ways” strategy about a year ago with the clear goal of becoming the preferred chemical company to enable its customers’ green transformation.

Textiles Recycling Expo announces collaboration with Future Fabrics Expo for 2026

The Textiles Recycling Expo has entered a major new collaboration with the Future Fabrics Expo which means that both events will run alongside each other at the Brussels Expo, Belgium on 24–25 June 2026. This co-location marks a significant step forward for the textile and fashion industries, bringing together two influential and complementary events under one roof.

Between 121 and 142 million people are employed in the circular economy globally, new study finds

Between 121 and 142 million people worldwide are employed in sectors that contribute to the circular economy, such as repair, recycling, second-hand trade and waste management. This represents roughly between 5 and 5.8 percent of total global employment (excluding agriculture), according to a new joint report by Circle Economy, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank Group, in partnership with the UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy (UN-PAGE).

SHIMA SEIKI returns to ShanghaiTex

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the ShanghaiTex 2025 exhibition (Booth No.: Hall N3, Booth A20) held in Shanghai, China this month. This marks the return of SHIMA SEIKI to ShanghaiTex after a 14-year hiatus, its last exhibit at the show having been in 2011.

Fraunhofer CCPE presents the “Monomaterial Design Set” – Innovative solutions for circular product design

Composite materials made from different types of plastic often extend the lifetime of products but make recycling more difficult in the circular economy. That is why Fraunhofer CCPE has developed the “Monomaterial Design Set”. This new approach helps to reduce the variety of plastics used in durable products and offers circular solutions for designers and product developers.

arena introduces renewable LYCRA® EcoMade fiber in its latest swimwear collection

Italian swimwear specialist arena has unveiled a new collection that brings sustainability and performance even closer together. Launched on December 4, the line features swimsuits made from recycled nylon and renewable LYCRA® EcoMade fiber — the first time the bio-based spandex has been used commercially in swimwear.