ABB has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Swedish textile impact company Syre to explore advanced technologies for a large-scale textile-to-textile recycling facility planned in Vietnam. The collaboration aims to support the industrialization of circular polyester production through automation, electrification and digital innovation.
The proposed facility, to be located in Gia Lai province, is designed to recycle polyester from used textiles and industrial waste into new recycled material. Polyester remains one of the most widely used fibers globally, traditionally derived from fossil-based sources. By enabling recycling at scale, the initiative seeks to reduce environmental impact, conserve resources and promote circularity within the textile industry.
Under the agreement, ABB and Syre will evaluate how ABB’s distributed control systems, industrial software and electrification solutions can be adapted to meet the specific demands of textile recycling processes. The collaboration will run alongside the plant’s detailed engineering phase, helping optimize safety, efficiency and quality control.
The partnership comes at a critical stage for Syre, which has rapidly advanced its technology since its launch two years ago. The company has already established an R&D facility and pilot production line in North Carolina, achieving multi-ton production of circular PET chips in 2025. These milestones demonstrate the technical viability of its recycling process and pave the way for industrial-scale deployment.
Construction of the Vietnam facility is targeted to begin in 2027, marking a significant step toward commercializing textile-to-textile recycling. The project reflects growing industry demand for sustainable materials and solutions that reduce reliance on virgin resources.
ABB brings extensive experience in process industries, including fiber processing and chemicals, positioning it as a key technology partner. The collaboration will focus on leveraging ABB’s capabilities to enhance process performance and scalability, which are essential for transitioning from pilot operations to full industrial production.
While the agreement is exploratory, it signals a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. As the textile industry seeks to address environmental challenges, partnerships like this are expected to play a crucial role in enabling next-generation manufacturing systems. By combining Syre’s recycling technology with ABB’s industrial expertise, the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of circular materials and support the development of a more sustainable global textile ecosystem.
