A Promising Collaboration for Circular Fashion
ABB has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Syre to identify the potential for its automation, electrification, and digital solutions to help create safe, efficient, and scalable industrial textile recycling. This collaboration is a testament to the joint commitment to innovation and sustainability in the textile industry, where the importance of circularity is growing.
Supporting Syre’s Ambitious Recycling Goals
The partnership will involve an evaluation of how ABB’s advanced technologies, such as distributed control systems, digital industrial software, and electrification products, can be utilized to improve process control and quality. Additionally, the partnership is intended to enable Syre to reach its ambition of manufacturing high-quality circular polyester at an industrial scale, while shifting away from traditional fossil-based processes.
Building a More Sustainable Textile Future
The proposed facility is set to recycle polyester from used textiles and other industrial waste, thereby converting the recycled polyester into new recycled polyester material. This means that the proposed facility will reduce the need for virgin fossil fuels, lower the carbon footprint of polyester production, and keep valuable materials in circulation. Moreover, the proposed facility is a big step towards building a circular economy for the textile industry.
Expertise Meeting Complex Industrial Challenges
Wilson Monteiro, the Global Business Line Manager for Pulp, Paper, and Fibre at ABB’s Process Industries division, said: “This agreement is a manifestation of ABB’s position in helping drive new industrial developments where automation and electrification can play a significant part in improving resource efficiency.” In addition, ABB will leverage its extensive expertise in fibre technology, chemicals, and advanced process industries in order to tailor its technology to suit the requirements of polyester textile-to-textile recycling.
Strong Industry Alignment
Dennis Nobelius, the CEO of Syre, said the following about the importance of the partnership: "As we now move into full industrial deployment, partnerships such as this become critical. Industrialising textile-to-textile recycling is a complex undertaking." Syre views ABB as a cornerstone partner because they have the depth of expertise and execution capability to turn the ambitious recycling goals into industrial reality.
Progress Towards Large-Scale Production
Significant progress has been made by Syre since its public launch two years ago. Currently, the company has established a research and development center and a pilot production line in North Carolina. In 2025, Syre was able to achieve large-scale production of circular PET chips. Therefore, the company is now working towards building its first large-scale facility in Vietnam. This facility is set to begin construction in 2027. The technical assessment with ABB will be done alongside the detailed engineering stage of this facility.
A Step Forward for Circular Materials
This collaborative initiative is an important sign of ABB’s strong commitment to the next generation of fibre-based industries. As the journey of circular materials shifts from aspiration to industrial reality, ABB remains committed to using its expertise in automation, electrification, and digitalization in the journey towards more efficient production.