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SaXcell Teams Up with Birla Cellulose, Paving the Way for Accelerated Circular Economy Through Recycled Fibre Production

Published: November 23, 2023
Author: TEXTILE VALUE CHAIN

SaXcell, a pioneer in textile recycling, has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Birla Cellulose, a leading global producer of synthetic cellulosic fibres.

The signing of the MoU sets the stage for increased cooperation between the two companies in the manufacturing of reconstituted cellulosic fibres derived from recycled materials. SaXcell’s textile waste pulping technology combined with Birla’s advanced wet spinning expertise results in high-quality sustainable “SaXcell” recycled fibres serving the circular textile needs of customers at a commercial scale.

Mr Erik van der Weerd, CEO of SaXcell, emphasized that this partnership aligns perfectly with SaXcell’s vision of establishing a strong circular textile supply chain through collaboration and commitment. He states that in order to tackle the current social and environmental issues faced by the textile industry, global cooperation is crucial. The urgent need to transition from a linear to a circular economy is evident, and the combined innovative capabilities and production capacity of SaXcell and Birla present an excellent opportunity to make a tangible difference.

Dr Aspi Patel, Chief Technology Officer at Aditya Birla Group and Birla Cellulose, highlights the significance of this circularity and sustainability collaboration. He emphasizes Birla Cellulose’s strong dedication to supporting pioneers in expanding circular fibre offerings throughout the textile and non-woven value chain. The company has actively explored unique business models and partnerships, and this collaboration represents one such initiative. Its purpose is to assist SaXcell in transitioning from a pilot stage to a commercially demonstrable scale. Partnerships like this, aimed at propelling circularity in the global textile value chain, will play an increasingly crucial role moving forward.

SaXcell B.V. is an inventive tech company that upcycles used textiles into feedstock for producing sustainable man-made cellulosic fibres. The development firm utilizes a smaller amount of water, land, and chemicals in the manufacturing process. Commencing in 2015 with researchers from Saxion University of Applied Science, SaXcell B.V. established itself. After rigorous testing and enhancements, a successful pilot factory was constructed in 2020. By 2024, SaXcell aims to expand further by erecting a Small-scale Scale Production facility in Enschede, The Netherlands. Birla Cellulose, the pulp and fibre division of the Aditya Birla Group, holds a leading position in producing eco-friendly Man-Made Cellulosic fibres (MMCF).

Birla Cellulose operates 12 manufacturing sites for pulp and fibre, employing eco-friendly closed-loop technologies with recycled materials and enhanced resource conservation. It ranks high as a MMCF producer and has received recognition from the Canopy Planet Society. Its five advanced research centres worldwide possess top-notch facilities and pilot plants. Renewable wood forms the basis for Birla Cellulose’s fibres, produced through a closed-loop process that ensures lower carbon emissions and resource usage.

Birla Cellulose actively partners with both its upstream and downstream collaborators to enhance the sustainability of its value chain on a larger scale.

Birla Cellulose actively partners with both its upstream and downstream collaborators to enhance the sustainability of its value chain on a larger scale. 

Visit  www.birlacellulose.com 

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