Circ Expands Textile-to-Textile Recycling in China Through Huafon Partnership
New Facility to Recycle Polyester and Cellulosic Waste into Materials for Textile Production
Circ and Huafon have partnered to develop and scale a multi-phase textile-to-textile recycling site in China, expanding Circ’s global recycling footprint. The project combines Circ’s polycotton recycling technology with Huafon’s industrial infrastructure, investment and commercial network to process textile waste into recycled materials for new textile products.
Announced on October 8, 2026, the partnership includes plans for an initial facility designed to process approximately 200 metric tons of textile waste per day.
Partnership Combines Recycling Technology and Industrial Capabilities
Circ will contribute its polycotton recycling technology, while Huafon will provide manufacturing capabilities, infrastructure and access to the Chinese market.
Huafon is also investing directly in the project alongside Circ and other selected investors. Its responsibilities include engineering, procurement, logistics and commercial experience to support the facility’s development and deployment.
The site is expected to process textile waste and recover recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled monoethylene glycol (MEG) and recycled cellulosic pulp for use in new textiles. The first phase is designed to handle approximately 200 metric tons of textile waste per day, with additional capacity planned.
The partnership also brings together Circ’s network of global brands, textile manufacturers and downstream customers to support the adoption of recycled materials.
Focus on China’s Textile Manufacturing Industry
Huafon is described as one of China’s leading chemical and advanced-materials companies, with more than 30 years of experience in materials technology, innovation and chemical manufacturing.
According to the announcement, Huafon has expanded its global presence and sustainable materials capabilities through acquisitions, including DuPont’s former Biomaterials business, now known as Covation Biomaterials. The group has established operations in Newark, Delaware, and Kinston, North Carolina, alongside global customers and commercial relationships outside China.
Peter Majeranowski, CEO of Circ, said:
“China is at the center of global textile production, making it a critical location for scaling textile-to-textile recycling. Huafon brings the industrial capabilities, experience, and investment to move quickly and build a platform that can scale well beyond this first site,”
Steve Fane, Vice President, Huafon Group, and Chairman, Huafon Microfibre Shanghai Tech Co. Ltd., said:
“Circ has developed one of the most promising textile-to-textile recycling technologies we have seen, and Huafon is ready to help bring it to market. By combining Circ’s innovation with our industrial strength and investment, we can turn textile waste into high-quality materials at a scale the industry needs.”
Alignment with China’s Circular-Materials Priorities
The project aligns with China’s broader industrial priorities, including its 15th Five-Year Plan, which emphasises circular-economy development, stronger waste recovery and reuse systems, higher-quality recycled materials, greener manufacturing and lower-carbon production.
China’s broader materials strategy also prioritises areas such as advanced polymers, high-performance fibres and bio-based materials.
Further Expansion Planned
As the project develops, Circ and Huafon plan to engage brands, supply-chain partners and downstream buyers. Potential future phases include additional capacity, downstream commercial activity and a long-term platform for circular textile production serving China and global markets.
The partnership’s progress will depend on developing the facility and expanding the commercial use of recycled materials across textile supply chains.