Circulose has restarted commercial-scale production at its Ortviken plant in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a major step forward for textile-to-textile recycling. The facility is the world’s first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling plant.
The restart follows a strategic shift in 2024, when private equity firm Altor took ownership of Circulose. The company focused on securing volume commitments from partner brands before resuming production. It has now received commitments from 16 brands, with further partnerships expected.
Circulose will supply fashion brands and fibre producers with recycled raw materials. Its CIRCULOSE® material supports efforts to reduce textile waste sent to landfills and incineration.
The company has also announced a leadership change. Jonatan Janmark, who led the business through its restart over the past two years, will step down as CEO. CFO Amanda Geijer has been appointed interim CEO until a permanent successor is selected.
Geijer joined Circulose as CFO in 2025. Before that, she served as Vice President of Finance at Billerud Europe. The leadership change will take effect on 1 December 2026.
Executive Chair Helena Helmersson will support Geijer during the transition. The company will now focus on safely increasing production and meeting customer commitments.
The restart of the Ortviken facility marks an important development in commercial textile recycling. It also highlights growing industry efforts to bring recycled materials into mainstream fashion production.
