Circulose has announced the restart of its commercial-scale textile recycling plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, following volume commitments from 16 fashion brands. The company also named CFO Amanda Geijer as interim CEO, effective December 1.
The restart marks a step in bringing CIRCULOSE® recycled raw material back to the market at scale. Described by the company as the world’s first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling facility, Ortviken will supply fashion brands and fiber producers while supporting efforts to divert textile waste from landfill and incineration.
Brand Commitments Support Production Restart
Under the ownership of private equity firm Altor since 2024, Circulose adopted a strategy focused on securing customer volume commitments before restarting production.
“Our focus has been to align the production restart with confirmed demand. With commitments from 16 brands, and more on the way, we are now there,” said Helena Helmersson, Executive Chair of Circulose.
Helmersson said the company now has support from leading brands and fiber producers, a workforce of approximately 130 people and a plant ready to produce.
For the textile and fashion industries, the restart represents progress toward commercial supply of next-generation materials beyond pilot projects. Circulose’s immediate priority is to increase production and fulfil customer commitments.
Amanda Geijer Appointed Interim CEO
Alongside the production announcement, Circulose confirmed a leadership transition. After two years leading the company’s restart, Jonatan Janmark will hand over the CEO role following a joint decision with the board.
Amanda Geijer, who joined Circulose as CFO in 2025, will become interim CEO on December 1 while the company seeks a permanent successor. She previously served as Vice President of Finance at Billerud Europe.
Helmersson will support Geijer in her role as Executive Chair.
Reflecting on his departure, Janmark said the company had rebuilt its team and secured market demand, creating the conditions for a leadership handover.
“It has been a privilege to rebuild Circulose, and I am proud of what we have achieved,” he said.
Helmersson credited Janmark with helping re-establish the company’s position in textile-to-textile recycling following its change of ownership.
Read more: Cross Wrap Supports Circulose’s Textile Recycling Restart in Sweden
Focus Turns to Production Ramp-Up
With Ortviken restarting, Circulose is moving from rebuilding the business toward production delivery. Geijer said the next phase would prioritize a safe ramp-up and meeting customer requirements.
“Restarting Ortviken is a milestone for Circulose and for the industry. Our focus now is to ramp up production safely and deliver on the commitments to our customers,” she said.
