ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swedish textile impact company Syre to explore advanced technologies for scaling textile-to-textile recycling, marking a significant step toward industrializing circular polyester production.
The agreement, announced on March 31, 2026, outlines a collaborative framework to assess how ABB’s automation, electrification, and digital solutions can support the development of Syre’s first large-scale recycling facility, planned for Gia Lai province in Vietnam.
Supporting Industrial-Scale Circular Polyester Production
The proposed plant aims to convert used textiles and industrial polyester waste into new recycled polyester material. As one of the most widely used fibers globally, polyester remains heavily dependent on fossil-based raw materials. Advancing textile-to-textile recycling is therefore seen as a critical pathway to reducing environmental impact and improving material circularity.
Through this partnership, both companies will evaluate how ABB’s technologies—including distributed control systems, digital industrial software, and electrification solutions—can be adapted to meet the specific requirements of polyester recycling at scale.
The collaboration is expected to run in parallel with the detailed engineering phase of Syre’s first industrial facility.
Technology Integration for Efficiency and Quality Control
A key focus of the partnership will be optimizing process efficiency, operational safety, and quality control. ABB’s expertise in fiber processing, chemicals, and advanced process industries is expected to play a central role in enabling stable, high-performance recycling operations.
Industry stakeholders increasingly recognize that scaling textile recycling requires not only innovative chemistry but also robust industrial systems capable of managing complex processes at large volumes.
Strategic Timing as Syre Moves Toward Commercial Deployment
The agreement comes as Syre accelerates its transition from pilot-scale innovation to industrial production. Since its launch, the company has established an R&D and pilot facility in Mebane, North Carolina, and achieved multi-ton production of circular PET chips in 2025—demonstrating the technical feasibility of its recycling approach.
Read more: Syre Announces Partnership With Nike to Scale Circular Polyester
Construction of the Vietnam plant is currently targeted to begin in 2027, positioning the project as one of the early large-scale implementations of textile-to-textile recycling globally.
Collaboration as a Key Enabler of Circular Transition
Both companies emphasize that partnerships between technology providers and recycling innovators will be essential in overcoming the technical and economic challenges of circular textile systems.
ABB highlighted its role in supporting emerging industrial applications where automation and electrification can enhance resource efficiency, while Syre underscored the importance of working with experienced industrial partners to successfully scale complex recycling technologies.
Industry Signals Shift Toward Scalable Solutions
Although exploratory in nature, the MoU reflects a broader shift within the textile industry—from pilot projects toward industrial-scale circular solutions. As regulatory pressure increases and demand for sustainable materials grows, the ability to scale recycling technologies efficiently will become a defining factor for the sector.
The ABB–Syre collaboration illustrates how cross-sector partnerships are beginning to shape the next generation of fiber production, where circularity is integrated into industrial infrastructure rather than treated as a niche innovation.
