Swedish company Circulose has resumed commercial-scale production at its Ortviken plant in Sundsvall, marking a new phase for chemical textile recycling.

The facility is described by the company as the world's first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling plant. Its restart follows a strategic restructuring focused on securing long-term demand for recycled raw materials.

A key factor behind the restart is confirmed purchasing commitments from 16 brands, providing a commercial foundation for bringing CIRCULOSE® back to market.

Circulose currently employs around 130 people and is now focused on safely ramping up production and fulfilling customer commitments.

The announcement also includes a leadership change. After two years overseeing the plant's restart, CEO Jonatan Janmark will step down. CFO Amanda Geijer has been appointed interim CEO, effective 1 December 2026, until a permanent successor is appointed.

The restart marks an important step in moving textile-to-textile recycling beyond pilot projects and towards established industrial production.