CARBIOS has partnered with Nouvelles Fibres Textiles to supply polyester textiles to the world’s first PET biorecycling plant, which is being built in Longlaville, France.
Starting in 2026, 5,000 tonnes of polyester textiles per year will be recycled over an initial five-year period. This shows the commitment of both companies to textile circularity and sustainability, marking a major step in recycling textiles and managing end-of-life materials more sustainably.
The site acts as a research center for textile recycling, using advanced technologies from partners like Andritz Laroche, Pellenc ST, Synergie TLC, and the Tissages de Charlieu group.
Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of CARBIOS, emphasized the company’s role as a biotech innovator and significant player in the textile industry. He highlighted the importance of large-scale polyester recycling initiatives for improving collection and preparation infrastructures. This partnership demonstrates the French industry’s growth and innovation by integrating various value chain components from collection to recycling.
Eric Boël and Etienne Wiroth, Co-directors of Nouvelles Fibres Textiles, stressed the importance of the circular economy in addressing the environmental, economic, and social impacts of textile over-consumption.Their partnership aims to establish a circular value chain, making the textile sector a model of sustainability benefiting both people and the planet.
The Institute for Sustainability Africa (INŚAF) is an independent multi-disciplinary think tank and research institute founded in Zimbabwe in 2010 with the Vision to advance sustainability initiatives for Africa.