ABB and Syre partner to advance textile-to-textile recycling in vietnam
In a significant step toward scaling circularity in the textile industry, ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swedish textile impact company Syre to explore advanced technologies for textile-to-textile recycling. The collaboration focuses on supporting the development of Syre’s first large-scale recycling plant in Vietnam, aimed at transforming polyester waste into new, high-quality recycled materials.
Driving circular polyester production
The proposed facility, to be located in Gia Lai Province, is designed to recycle polyester from both post-consumer textiles and industrial waste streams. Polyester remains one of the most widely used fibers globally, traditionally derived from fossil-based raw materials. By enabling its recycling at scale, the project seeks to reduce dependence on virgin resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and keep valuable materials in continuous use.
This initiative aligns with the broader shift toward a circular textile economy, where waste is minimized and materials are reused rather than discarded. Textile-to-textile recycling, particularly for polyester, is seen as a key solution to address the environmental challenges associated with fast fashion and synthetic fiber production.
Technology collaboration for industrial scale
Under the agreement, ABB and Syre will jointly assess how ABB’s automation, electrification, and digital technologies can be integrated into the recycling process. The collaboration will explore the application of ABB’s distributed control systems, digital industrial software, and electrification solutions to ensure safe, efficient, and scalable plant operations.
These technologies are expected to play a critical role in optimizing process performance, improving quality control, and enabling consistent production of recycled polyester at an industrial level. The assessment phase will run in parallel with the detailed engineering work for the Vietnam facility.
Wilson Monteiro, Global Business Line Manager for Pulp, Paper and Fiber at ABB, highlighted the importance of such collaborations in emerging industries. He noted that the partnership reflects ABB’s commitment to enabling resource-efficient industrial applications and leveraging its expertise in fiber processing and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Strategic partnership for industrialization
For Syre, the partnership represents a crucial step in its transition from pilot-scale innovation to full industrial deployment. CEO Dennis Nobelius emphasized that scaling textile-to-textile recycling requires not only strong market demand but also robust industrial partnerships.
He described ABB as a key contributor to the ecosystem Syre is building, bringing both technical expertise and execution capability essential for large-scale operations. As the company moves closer to commercialization, such collaborations will be vital in ensuring operational excellence and long-term success.
From innovation to commercial reality
Since its launch two years ago, Syre has made rapid progress in developing its recycling technology. The company established an R&D facility and pilot production line in Mebane, North Carolina, where it successfully demonstrated its process by producing circular PET chips at multi-ton scale in 2025.
Building on this momentum, Syre is now focused on advancing its first industrial-scale plant in Vietnam, with construction expected to begin in 2027. The facility will mark a major milestone in bringing textile-to-textile recycling from concept to commercial reality.
Enabling the future of fiber industries
Although the MoU is exploratory, it underscores ABB’s strategic focus on supporting next-generation fiber industries. As circular materials gain traction, the need for efficient, scalable, and technologically advanced production systems becomes increasingly critical.
By combining Syre’s innovative recycling approach with ABB’s industrial expertise, the partnership aims to unlock new possibilities for sustainable textile production. It represents a forward-looking model of collaboration where technology, sustainability, and industry expertise converge to reshape the future of materials.
