Cengiz Özemli
Academic
- Thread Author
- #1
ABB and the Swedish textile startup Syre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on automation, electrification, and digitalization for textile-to-textile polyester recycling in Vietnam.
### Purpose of the Collaboration
The signed agreement aims to explore how ABB's automation and electrification technologies can be adapted for safe, efficient, and scalable operations at Syre's first textile-to-textile recycling plant in Vietnam. Optimizing process and quality control performance is also a key focus of the collaboration.
### Recycling Facility and Sectoral Importance
The plant, planned to be established in the Gia Lai region, aims to recycle polyester from used textiles and industrial waste to produce new polyester material for future use. Polyester is among the most widely used fibers globally, with its traditional production relying on fossil-based raw materials. Polyester recycling reduces dependence on fossil-based raw materials, lowers climate impact, and contributes to a more sustainable textile industry by keeping valuable materials in circulation.
### ABB and Syre Partnership
According to the MoU, ABB's technologies, such as distributed control systems, digital industrial software, and electrification portfolio, will be evaluated based on the needs of polyester textile-to-textile recycling. These efforts will run in parallel with the detailed engineering phase of Syre's plant.
Wilson Monteiro, Global Business Unit Manager for Pulp, Paper, and Fibers at ABB Process Industries, stated that this collaboration reflects ABB's support for emerging industrial applications aimed at increasing resource efficiency through automation and electrification. Dennis Nobelius, CEO of Syre, emphasized that such partnerships are critical for the success of industrial recycling projects.
### Syre's Technology and Production Journey
Since its public launch two years ago, Syre has established an R&D facility and pilot production line in North Carolina, demonstrating the viability of its textile-to-textile recycling process through multi-ton circular PET production. The company aims for its large-scale production facility in Vietnam to commence operations by 2027.
### Conclusion
This partnership demonstrates ABB's commitment to developing the next generation of fiber-based industries and supporting the transition to a circular materials economy. ABB continues to enable efficient and scalable production with its automation, electrification, and digital technologies.
