Circulose and CTA Join Forces to Advance Recycled Lyocell Fiber Production
Circulose has announced a strategic collaboration with CTA Green Fibre to offer lyocell fibers produced using CIRCULOSE® pulp, marking an important milestone in the commercialization of textile-to-textile recycled materials.
The partnership aims to expand the availability of recycled lyocell fibers across a broader range of textile applications, helping accelerate the transition toward a more circular textile industry.
Expanding the Potential of Recycled Lyocell
Lyocell fibers are widely recognized for their softness, strength and sustainability credentials. Produced through a solvent-based spinning process, lyocell manufacturing operates in a largely closed-loop system where solvents are recovered and reused, making it one of the most environmentally favorable fiber production methods in the textile sector.
By replacing virgin wood pulp with recycled CIRCULOSE® pulp, the collaboration further enhances the sustainability profile of lyocell fibers while supporting textile waste reduction.
Under the agreement, CTA and Circulose will offer both standard and non-fibrillating lyocell fiber grades manufactured using CIRCULOSE® pulp.
Commercial Rollout Begins in 2026
Commercial supply of the recycled lyocell fibers will initially be limited during 2026, with volumes available only to selected brand partners. Both companies plan to scale production capacity significantly during 2027 to meet growing market demand.
Brands interested in accessing larger-scale volumes in 2027 are encouraged to begin product development and collaboration efforts now.
Supporting Circular Textile Scale-Up
As part of the agreement, CTA has committed to purchasing a defined volume of CIRCULOSE® pulp over the coming years. The commitment is expected to provide greater demand certainty for recyclers while supporting investment in production capacity and cost reduction.
The collaboration will also focus on improving pulp performance and manufacturing efficiency. Through ongoing technical cooperation, Circulose aims to enhance the quality and performance of its recycled pulp, while CTA will continue optimizing production processes for recycled lyocell fibers at commercial scale.
The companies believe such partnerships are essential for accelerating the mainstream adoption of circular textile materials across the global apparel and textile industry.
Technical Achievement for Recycled Fiber Production
According to Circulose CEO Jonatan Janmark, producing lyocell from recycled pulp presents greater technical challenges than viscose production because of the sensitivity of the lyocell process.
He noted that CTA’s success in manufacturing lyocell fibers using CIRCULOSE® pulp demonstrates both the quality of the recycled raw material and the technical expertise of CTA’s production teams.
Janmark said the collaboration provides brand partners with new opportunities to integrate circular materials into their product portfolios while supporting broader industry sustainability goals.
Driving Innovation in Sustainable Textiles
CTA Green Fibre is a leading producer of lyocell fibers and operates as part of China General Technology (Group) Holding Co. Ltd., one of China’s major research and industrial platforms focused on textile innovation.
The company operates commercial-scale lyocell manufacturing facilities and has developed proprietary technologies for advanced lyocell fiber variants.
With demand for sustainable materials continuing to rise, the partnership between Circulose and CTA represents another significant step toward building scalable, commercially viable circular fiber solutions for the global textile market.
