Technip Energies has introduced Reju, a new company focusing on the recycling of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) textiles (rPET). This venture will utilize innovative technology developed in collaboration with IBM and Under Armour.

Reju aims to tap into the fast-growing global rPET market, driven by increased demand in the textile industry, projected to reach up to 20 million tons per annum by 2033. The technology, known as VolCat, selectively breaks down polymers, offering a solution for hard-to-recycle polyester garments and PET packaging.

Technip Energies, IBM, and Under Armour have collaborated since 2021 to scale up VolCat, an IBM technology rejuvenating waste PET packaging and polyester. Reju, the newly formed company, will utilize this technology to address the challenges of recycling polyester garments and PET packaging.

Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies, emphasized the need for scalable technology in textile recycling. Globally, less than 1% of PET textiles waste is currently recycled. Reju aims to make textile recycling economically viable on an industrial scale, contributing to a more circular approach in the textile industry. The collaboration between Technip Energies, IBM, and Under Armour brings together scalable technology and expertise to tackle this challenge.