Circ lays claim to industry first as it preps industrial scale polycotton recycling plant in France

Textile-to-textile recycling specialist Circ has shared plans to open what is pitched as the first industrial scale facility dedicated to recycling used polycotton textiles into new materials. 

Announced by President Emmanuel Macron at the 2025 Choose France Summit, the $500 million plant, based in Saint-Avold, will recycle 70,000 metric tonnes of post-consumer and post-industrial polycotton each year. 

The new facility promises to be the first of its kind using Circ’s patented technology to recycle textiles previously considered unrecyclable. Its hydrothermal technology is able to separate and recover both polyester and cotton, which make up 77% of the global textile market, from polycotton blends.

The site is expected to be fully operational by 2028, helping to align with the EU’s 2030 climate goals.

Circ hopes its expansion will enable the textile industry to reduce its use of virgin fabrics and divert tonnes of clothing from landfills, incinerators and end-of-use overseas shipments each year. The use of recycled polycotton could also reduce emissions compared to virgin production.

Earlier this year, Circ closed a $25 million funding round led by investment and asset management company Taranis.

“This is the moment we’ve been building toward since Circ was founded,” comments Peter Majeranowski, President at Circ. “Our first full scale facility will push circular fashion over the critical tipping point in the global economy, proving that the future of textiles can be decarbonised, closer to waste-free, and regenerative by design. It’s not just a major milestone for Circ, but a breakthrough for the entire circular economy at a time when the planet urgently needs scalable climate solutions.”

Circ says the plant will serve as a flagship and model for future expansion globally. It plans to build additional facilities in North America and Asia in the coming years to keep pace with global demand and achieve its aim of making circularity standard practice in the textile industry.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.