Circulose has restarted commercial-scale production at its Ortviken facility in Sundsvall, Sweden. The restart follows commitments from 16 fashion brands and marks a new phase in the company’s textile-to-textile recycling operations. Circulose will now focus on increasing production and supplying recycled raw materials to fashion brands and fibre producers.
Circulose has restarted commercial-scale production at its Ortviken facility in Sundsvall, Sweden. The facility is described as the world’s first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling plant. Its restart marks an important step towards expanding textile recycling beyond pilot projects.
The company aims to support the fashion industry’s transition towards more circular production. Through its recycling technology, Circulose converts discarded cotton textiles into recycled raw materials for new textile production.
The restart also comes as fashion brands increase their focus on reducing textile waste. Circulose plans to supply its recycled material to fashion brands and fibre producers while helping divert discarded textiles from landfills and incineration.
16 Fashion Brands Back Production Restart
Following its acquisition by private equity firm Altor in 2024, Circulose introduced a renewed business strategy. The company focused on securing volume commitments from partner brands before restarting production at Ortviken.
It has now secured commitments from 16 brands, with additional commitments expected. These agreements will support the company’s return to commercial-scale production.
According to Helena Helmersson, Executive Chair of Circulose, securing customer demand was a key priority before restarting the facility.
“Our focus has been to align the production restart with confirmed demand. With commitments from 16 brands, and more on the way, we are now there. Today Circulose is backed by leading brands and fiber producers, has an organization of around 130 people with deep expertise where it matters, and a plant ready to produce,” said Helmersson.
With production restarting, Circulose aims to strengthen its supply of recycled raw materials to the fashion industry.
Amanda Geijer Takes Over as Interim CEO
Alongside the production restart, Circulose has announced a change in its leadership.
Jonatan Janmark, who led the company through its rebuilding and production restart efforts over the past two years, will step down as CEO. CFO Amanda Geijer has been appointed interim CEO until a permanent successor is selected.
Helena Helmersson will continue supporting the company as Executive Chair.
Helmersson acknowledged Janmark’s contribution to rebuilding the business and re-establishing its position in textile-to-textile recycling.
“When Jonatan joined, Circulose had just been given a second chance. Since then, he has made Circulose a leading player in textile-to-textile recycling again. That has taken a lot of energy, creativity and teamwork. I have learnt a lot from working with Jonatan, and on behalf of the board and our owners, I want to thank him for everything he has built,” said Helmersson.
Janmark also expressed confidence in the company’s progress, highlighting its confirmed customer demand, experienced team and readiness to resume production.
“It has been a privilege to rebuild Circulose, and I am proud of what we have achieved. With confirmed market demand for our product, a strong team in place, and a plant ready for production, the time has come for me to hand over,” said Janmark.
Production Ramp-Up Becomes the Next Priority
Amanda Geijer will lead Circulose during the next phase of its operations. She joined the company as CFO in 2025 after serving as Vice President of Finance at Billerud Europe.
Her experience with Circulose’s business and production plans is expected to support the company’s next stage of development.
Commenting on the restart, Geijer said:
“Restarting Ortviken is a milestone for Circulose and for the industry. Our focus now is to ramp up production safely and deliver on the commitments to our customers,” said Geijer.
The leadership transition will take effect on December 1, 2026.
With the Ortviken facility back in operation, Circulose will focus on increasing production, meeting customer commitments and expanding its commercial-scale textile recycling activities.