Recycled and Cellulose Based Textile Fibers

Toward more sustainable and circular textile production

Valmet is taking a strong role in the revolution of the textile industry. We see novel cellulose-based textiles and fiber-to-fiber textile recycling as the solution to a more sustainable and circular textile production. There are already existing technologies we can utilize – and new ones are underway. The development just needs to be accelerated.

We at Valmet have extensive experience in fiber processing, innovation and in scaling up new technologies. As our partner, you will have access to leading technology, automation and services to develop your sustainable textile fiber production.

We also offer comprehensive pilot facilities, allowing you to run tests on a set-up that mirrors your current process configuration or alternatively the one you´re looking for to set up. Read more about our pilot facilities here.

How is pulp and paper linked with textile industry disruption?

The textile industry is on the verge of a major disruption. The sustainability challenges stemming from the environmental impacts and the social aspects of conventional textile value chains are increasingly recognized, and there are growing demands to do something about it.

Our current projects:

Novel man-made cellulosic (MMC) fibers

MMC fibers are regenerated fibers made mainly from the dissolved wood pulp. Viscose, lyocell, acetate and modal are all examples of man-made cellulosics. As a plant-based fiber, MMCs have the potential to be a more sustainable and renewable choice.

Our target is to develop and commercialize alternative production processes and process equipment to replace the traditional viscose process.

Valmet is delivering drying and heat recovery technology for Woodspin's, a Spinnova and Suzano joint venture, first commercial scale SPINNOVA® fibre production facility in Finland.

Valmet's press release: Valmet to supply technology for Spinnova-Suzano joint venture textile fibre factory in Finland (May 17, 2021)

Fiber-to-fiber textile recycling

Textile fibers recycling where the cellulose based textile fibers are recycled to re-usage in the textile industry is deemed to be high value textile recycling.

Valmet's target is to develop and commercialize textile recycling processes and the related process equipment.

We are delivering the main equipment for Renewcell's the textile recycling plant at Ortviken industrial site in Sweden. Renewcell is producing Circulose from pre- and post-consumer polycotton textile waste to be used in Viscose or Lyocell production.

Valmet's press release: Renewcell selects Valmet as the main equipment supplier for Sundsvall textile recycling plant in Sweden (Jan 29, 2021)

Textile articles

Breaking through the textile industry

Renewcell’s Circulose dissolving pulp uses cellulose from discarded textiles that is then spun into soft and breathable new textile materials like viscose and lyocell. Renewcell and Valmet have worked closely on this groundbreaking innovation from the first pilot trials to the first-of-a-kind industrial-scale production line.

The future of textile recycling: Valmet joins PESCO-UP project

The PESCO-UP project was kicked off on January 18, 2024. It aims to transform the textile recycling industry by creating new raw materials from mixed waste.

Co-operation and scaling up accelerating sustainable development of the textile industry

Gathering over 100 textile industry experts, Nordic Textile Fibre Day explored the latest developments in man-made cellulosic textile fibers and textile recycling. Scaling up from pilot phase to industrial production, funding the investment and development and close co-operation between different companies and start-ups are seen essential to transform the textile industry towards more sustainable way of working. Read more from the article.

Creating the future of textile recycling, together

Currently, only 1 % of material in clothing is recycled into new clothing. Read how Valmet can support our partners to create new fiber-to-fiber textile recycling possibilities for the future with already existing product portfolio, pilot facilities and strong process knowledge.

Pulp and paper technology expands to the new textile industry

The textile industry is increasingly interested in more sustainable cellulose-based textiles and textile recycling. Valmet sees significant business potential in the industry, as its technology and expertise are applicable to textile fiber processes.

How is pulp and paper linked with textile industry disruption?

The textile industry is on the verge of a major disruption. The sustainability challenges stemming from the environmental impacts and social aspects of conventional textile value chains are increasingly recognized, and there are growing demands to do something about it.

Valmet plays a role in sustainable textile production

First industrial scale textile-to-pulp plant

Valmet will deliver the main equipment for Renewcell’s planned 60,000 metric tonne capacity textile recycling plant at Ortviken industrial site in Sundsvall, Sweden.

Contact us

Our focus is to bring your performance forward. Our expertise in fiber processing and innovations is at your disposal. Contact us if you are looking for an experienced partner for more sustainable and circular textile industry.