The Exceptional Case of CIRCULOSE, a comeback story

CIRCULOSE® remains standing at the forefront of the textile and fashion industry’s push toward sustainability, innovation, and circularity. Originally developed by Renewcell AB, this groundbreaking cellulosic upcycling process transforms cellulosic-rich (90%+ cotton) pre and post-consumer textile waste into the high-quality CIRCULOSE® pulp. This pulp is then used to produce man-made cellulosic fibers, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional cotton and Man-Made Cellulosic Fibers (MMCF).

The Unique Process
What sets CIRCULOSE® apart is its ability to produce pulp entirely from textile waste using a closed-loop, chemical recycling process. This patented method ensures that the environmental footprint of the textile industry is significantly reduced, promoting a shift toward a low-carbon economy. The process itself is revolutionary, providing a scalable solution to the industry’s waste problem and making circular fashion a tangible reality.

A New Chapter: The Altor Acquisition
In February 2024, Renewcell faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy. However, the innovative spirit behind CIRCULOSE® was far from extinguished. During the bankruptcy proceedings, Altor, a renowned investment firm, acquired Renewcell’s assets. In a strategic move, Altor rebranded the company to align with its flagship product, renaming it Circulose.

With this acquisition, Circulose not only retained its pioneering technology but also underwent leadership and management changes. These changes were aimed at enhancing the company’s agility and ensuring that each role within Circulose was filled with the requisite skills and capabilities. This revitalized leadership is now driving the company toward new heights, making CIRCULOSE® pulp more market-competitive than ever before.

CIRCULOSE® is more than just a material; it represents a paradigm shift in how we approach textile production and waste management.

Market Impact and Future Prospects
The excitement surrounding CIRCULOSE® is palpable. More and more products incorporating CIRCULOSE® are beginning to arrive on store shelves, not just as a marketing promise but as a fundamental component of the fabric composition and a testament to the brands and retailers that are adopting CIRCULOSE®. It is a testament to their desire and push to transition towards sustainable solutions and having a lower impact on the environment. This tangible progress also marks a significant milestone in Circulose’s journey, showcasing a remarkable recovery and transformation in a relatively short period.

AGS Services Resume
At AGS, we share in the overwhelming enthusiasm as we are pleased to announce that AGS India’s Services Division is once again providing on-the-ground services to Circulose for their CIRCULOSE® pulp in both India and Sri Lanka. Our services are tailored to supporting Circulose’s mission to advance sustainable practices and promote circularity within the textile industry.

CIRCULOSE® is more than just a material; it represents a paradigm shift in how we approach textile production and waste management. With its innovative recycling process and renewed strategic direction under Altor’s ownership, CIRCULOSE® is poised to lead the charge in making the fashion industry more sustainable. At AGS, we are proud to be part of this journey, contributing to a greener, more circular future for textiles and protecting our planet for future generations to enjoy.

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