We are thrilled to announce that AGS Group has become a member of the World Castor Sustainability Forum (WCSF). This significant step aligns with our commitment to provide a sustainability and transparency to our customers.

Championing Sustainability
The WCSF is a global initiative dedicated to promoting the sustainable cultivation and utilization of castor seeds. As a founding member, AGS Group continues to lead by example to further drive industry-wide changes that will ensure a more sustainable future across industries and our planet. Our managing director, Stefan Krueger, stated the following about this special and significant event, “Joining WCSF represents more than transparency for our technologies, it creates dialogue and is an open invitation for others to gain a greater desire to pursue environmental stewardship, responsible sourcing, and to support the communities and regions that have given us so much. Because sustainability is about your actions — today, tomorrow, and onwards — it is far more than just nice words and marketing claims.”

The Importance of Castor
Castor oil, derived from castor seeds, is a vital component in many of our technologies, including BIOPURE MM1. Our innovative textile pre-treatments and finishing agents rely on the unique properties of castor oil to deliver superior performance while delivering the most sustainable solution on the market, today. By supporting regenerative castor farming, we can ensure a reliable supply of this critical ingredient while minimizing environmental impact and protecting a region that fights against the challenges of climate change.

The castor plant is truly unique, in that it require so little in input, to provide so much in output. The castor plant is resilient in fighting and enduring climate change. It is ideal for marginal lands in arid and semi-arid climates. The hearty root system prevents soil erosion that otherwise can easily occur. It does not displace food crops, is water efficient, drought resistant, tolerant of water salinity and soil acidity.

The castor seed consists of 45–55% oil. This essential oil produced from the castor offers unequalled versatility and capability. The oil is uniquely cost effective, highly productive, and resource efficient. It is a crucial bio-based raw material. The natural capabilities of the castor oil to provide durable performance combined with the low application requirements, pushes the level of sustainability even further.

Because sustainability is about your actions — today, tomorrow, and onwards — it is far more than just nice words and marketing claims.

A Collaborative Effort
Joining the WCSF allows us to work together with other industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to support the development and implementation of regenerative agriculture practices for castor cultivation. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the livelihoods of farmers, provide education, improve the environmental footprint of castor farming, and promote the overall sustainability of the castor oil supply chain.

Our Commitment
At AGS Group, sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a core value that drives our innovation and operations. Becoming a founding member of the WCSF underscores our commitment to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our business. We believe that by working together with other stakeholders, we can create a positive impact on the environment and the communities involved in castor cultivation.

Looking Ahead
As we embark on this exciting journey with the WCSF, we look forward to sharing our progress and insights with you. Together, we can make a difference and set a newer and higher standard for the sustainability of plant-based chemicals and for the textile industry as whole.

Stay tuned for additional updates on our other initiatives and our continued efforts in advancing and supporting the responsible use of sustainable castor alongside the other members of the WCSF.

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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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AGS Group is honored to announce that our innovative castor seed oil-based moisture management finish for textiles, BIOPURE MM1, has been honored with a SEAL Award for Sustainable Product. This accolade underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovation, recognizing products that make a significant positive impact on the environment.

About SEAL Awards
The SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Awards celebrate environmental progress by recognizing and supporting the efforts of companies and leaders who make sustainability a core part of their business operations. By honoring impactful products, initiatives, and leaders, SEAL Awards aim to inspire further action towards a more sustainable future.

BIOPURE MM1 stands out in the textile industry for its exceptional sustainability profile and performance benefits, including:

Our castor oil is derived from castor seeds sourced from farms that practice regenerative agriculture. This method of farming not only enhances soil health but also promotes biodiversity and water retention, significantly reducing the environmental footprint compared to conventional farming methods. Regenerative agriculture helps sequester carbon in the soil, contributing to the fight against climate change.

At AGS, sustainability is at the core of our manufacturing processes. We utilize 100% renewable energy and 100% biomass for boiler operations, ensuring that our production is environmentally responsible. This commitment to renewable energy minimizes our reliance on fossil fuels and significantly reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals, including the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

BIOPURE MM1 is a carbon negative product, meaning its lifecycle removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits. This remarkable achievement is due to our sustainable sourcing, renewable energy use, and the intrinsic properties of the castor plant and oil. By choosing BIOPURE MM1, our customers contribute to minimizing the overall impact of their textile products.

The castor plant itself boasts remarkable sustainability traits. It thrives in arid conditions where other crops might fail, reducing the need for irrigation and minimizing water use. Castor seeds are a renewable resource, and their cultivation does not compete with food production or resources, making them an ideal sustainable raw material for our moisture management technology.

Receiving the SEAL Business Sustainability Award for BIOPURE MM1 is a testament to AGS Group’s dedication to sustainable innovation.

Beyond its sustainability, BIOPURE MM1 provides outstanding performance benefits for textiles:

• Moisture Wicking: effectively wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable.
• Rapid Cooling: has cooling properties that help regulate body temperature, making it ideal for activewear and on-the-go lifestyles.
• Quick Drying: accelerated rate of drying that enhances the convenience and comfort for the wearer.

We firmly believe that progress for the textile industry stands at the intersection of environmental responsibility and technological advancement. BIOPURE MM1 exemplifies this belief, showcasing how sustainability can be at the core of a technology and lead to superior product performance.

We are honored and extend our gratitude to the SEAL Awards for recognizing our commitment to sustainability and innovation. At AGS, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of possibility in the textile industry. Because only together, can we achieve a more sustainable future for all to enjoy.

For more information about BIOPURE MM1 and our sustainability initiatives, please contact us directly.

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As we continue to promote circularity and the responsible manufacturing of textiles for a more sustainable future, AGS is proud to announce its partnership with Renewcell, a leading innovator in circular recycling and material solutions. AGS will be providing comprehensive business development and technical support services on behalf of Renewcell in India and Sri Lanka, with a primary focus on promoting the remarkable CIRCULOSE®.

CIRCULOSE®, a cutting-edge material developed by Renewcell, represents a significant leap in the textile industry’s journey towards sustainability. This revolutionary material is created by upcycling discarded cellulosic and viscose textiles, breathing new life into old clothes that would otherwise end up in landfills. The result is a high-quality, environmentally friendly pulp that rivals traditional textiles in both performance and versatility.

As the global fashion industry grapples with the environmental and ethical challenges associated with conventional textile production, CIRCULOSE® emerges as a game-changer. AGS recognizes the immense potential of this innovative material to transform the global textile landscape. India and Sri Lanka are two countries with a rich textile heritage and a growing appetite for sustainable fashion that we eagerly look forward to servicing on behalf of Renewcell.

CIRCULOSE® represents not just innovation but a sustainable revolution in textiles.

As Director of Partnerships, Prem passionately believes that, “CIRCULOSE® represents not just innovation but a sustainable revolution in textiles. Through the innovative services that we provide at AGS to accelerate and facilitate the adoption and market penetration of sustainable solutions for textiles, we are confident of the foundation that India and Sri Lanka will provide in transforming the textile industry and we firmly believe that CIRCULOSE® will play a significant part in that transformation.” Let’s embark on a journey together towards a more sustainable future. Contact us to explore the exciting opportunities and possibilities that CIRCULOSE® can bring to your products. Together, we can make fashion circular!

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