Circulose Restarts Commercial-Scale Textile Recycling Plant in Sweden, Appoints Interim CEO

The Ortviken facility in Sundsvall resumes production following commitments from 16 brands, while CFO Amanda Geijer takes over as interim CEO from December 1.

Circulose has restarted commercial-scale production at its Ortviken plant in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a new phase for its textile-to-textile recycling operations. The facility, described as the world’s first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling plant, will produce recycled raw materials for fashion brands and fibre producers.

The company has also announced a leadership transition, with CFO Amanda Geijer appointed interim CEO as Jonatan Janmark steps down after leading the plant’s restart.

Restart Follows Brand Commitments

In 2024, following its acquisition by private equity firm Altor, Circulose established a renewed strategic direction focused on securing volume commitments from partner brands to bring CIRCULOSE® back to market at scale.

According to the company, commitments from 16 brands have now enabled the restart of production at the Ortviken 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,” says Helena Helmersson, Executive Chair of Circulose.

With the plant operational again, Circulose will supply fashion brands and fibre producers with recycled raw materials at commercial scale. The production is intended to support efforts to divert textile waste from landfills and incineration.

Leadership Transition at Circulose

After two years leading the restart, CEO Jonatan Janmark and the Board have agreed that this is the appropriate time for a leadership transition. Amanda Geijer, who joined Circulose as CFO in 2025, has been appointed interim CEO until a permanent successor is selected.

Geijer previously served as Vice President of Finance at Billerud Europe. She will work with Helena Helmersson, who will support the company in her role as Executive Chair.

“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,” says Helena Helmersson, Chair of the Board of Circulose.

Janmark said the company had rebuilt its operations and was now positioned to move forward with confirmed market demand, a strong team and a plant ready for 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,” says Jonatan Janmark, CEO of Circulose.

Helmersson said Geijer’s familiarity with the company and its plans made her suitable to lead the next phase until a permanent CEO is appointed.

“For the upcoming phase, I am very pleased that Amanda, who knows the company and our plans well, has agreed to lead Circulose as interim CEO until a permanent CEO is in place. I look forward to working closely with her and the team during that period,” says Helena Helmersson.

Focus on Production Ramp-Up

The immediate priority following the restart is to increase production while meeting customer commitments.

“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,” says Amanda Geijer, interim CEO of Circulose.

The leadership change will take effect on December 1.