Circ To Build US$ 500M Polycotton Recycling Plant In France
U.S. based textile recycling company Circ has secured support from the French government and the European Union to establish the world’s first industrial-scale facility capable of recycling polycotton, a blend of polyester and cotton at Saint-Avold in northeastern France.
The project, with a total investment of €450 million (US$ 500 million), is set to begin operations in 2028 and will have an annual capacity to process 70,000 metric tons of textile waste. The plant is expected to create 200 jobs and will be funded through a mix of equity and debt, with Circ also seeking public grants and guarantees, including France’s Strategic Projects Guarantee.
This milestone marks a significant step in the European Union’s push for a circular economy and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The fashion industry, which contributes up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, has faced increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Most garments today are made from polycotton blends, which are notoriously difficult to recycle.
Circ’s proprietary hydrothermal technology allows for the separation and recovery of both polyester and cotton in a single process without degrading either material. This innovation enables the reuse of fibers in new textiles, advancing circularity in fashion.
Backed by major retailers like Inditex (parent of Zara) and Patagonia, Circ’s recycled materials are already making their way into mainstream fashion. The new plant is being developed in partnership with engineering firms Worley, GEA, and Andritz, and is intended to serve as a blueprint for future facilities globally.
According to CEO Peter Majeranowski, interest in replicating this model is coming from across the globe, including South Asia, East Asia, North America, and Australia as brands and manufacturers seek solutions to meet climate and sustainability targets.
