Carbios, Nouvelle Fibres Team on PET Biorecycling Supply Project
In a significant step towards sustainable textile recycling, Carbios, a pioneering biotech company, has entered into a five-year contract with Nouvelles Fibres Textiles. This partnership aims to establish a robust supply chain for the recycling of polyester textiles, with a commitment to process 5,000 tons annually starting from the end of 2026.
A Vision for Circular Economy
The polyester textiles that will be recycled under this agreement will originate from used or end-of-life garments, meticulously prepared in France by Nouvelles Fibres Textiles. This initiative leverages Carbios' innovative enzymatic depolymerisation technology, which breaks down polyester into its fundamental components, allowing for the creation of high-quality raw materials.
Advancements in Textile Recycling
In November 2023, Nouvelles Fibres Textiles, in collaboration with its partners, inaugurated a unique semi-industrial site with an annual capacity of 1,000 tons. This facility marks the first phase of a larger vision, with plans to expand to a 20,000 to 30,000-ton unit by 2026. The site serves as a research center for textile recycling, integrating the expertise of several industry leaders, including Andritz Laroche, Pellenc ST, Synergie TLC, and the Tissages de Charlieu group.
The facility is designed to transform used textiles into high-quality raw materials, catering to various industries that utilize textile fibers, such as non-wovens, insulation, and plastics. A key feature of this operation is its automated sorting system, which efficiently categorizes textiles by composition while removing hard components like buttons, zips, and patches.
Industry Leaders Speak Out
Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of Carbios, emphasized the company's dual role as a biotech innovator and a player in the textile industry. He stated, “Carbios is known as a biotech company, but we're also a player in the textile industry. We actively collaborate with innovative companies like Nouvelles Fibres Textiles to create a truly circular economy for textiles.” Ladent highlighted the importance of large-scale polyester recycling solutions in enhancing collection and preparation infrastructures, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the French industry.
Co-directors of Nouvelles Fibres Textiles, Eric Boël and Etienne Wiroth, echoed this sentiment, pointing out the textile industry's challenges due to overconsumption. They noted, “One of the most effective responses ecologically, economically, and socially is the circular economy, because it preserves resources and boosts industrial sovereignty and local employment.” They also acknowledged that the diverse nature of textiles has historically hindered large-scale recycling efforts, a challenge that new technologies like enzymatic depolymerisation and automated sorting are now addressing.
Future Prospects
This partnership is not an isolated effort. Last month, Carbios and Tomra Textiles announced their collaboration to establish the first commercial recycling plant dedicated to polyester textiles, furthering the goal of closing the circularity gap in the fashion industry.
As the textile sector grapples with sustainability challenges, the collaboration between Carbios and Nouvelles Fibres Textiles stands as a beacon of hope, illustrating how innovative technologies and strategic partnerships can pave the way for a more sustainable future. This initiative not only aims to reduce waste but also to foster a circular economy that benefits both the environment and local communities.