Chemical textile recycling processes

Valmet has been a major player supplying process solutions to the pulp and paper industry for many decades. These technologies can be adapted to accommodate various materials and production methods, providing manufacturers with versatile solutions for creating high-quality material for further textile fiber production. These solutions can be conventional pulp processes but may also comprise alternative chemistries as specified by the technology owner. Our mission is to utilize our technological experience to jointly develop our customers’ ideas to full scale plants including automation and process control.

What is chemical textile recycling?

In chemical recycling, synthetic or natural fibers are treated chemically to break down the fibers to the polymer or monomer level. Processes with monomers as the final product are followed by synthesis of polymers before new fibers can be spun. They are used for recycling synthetic polymers such as polyester (e.g., PET).

Polymer recycling process include pulping process to recycle cotton and man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF) to dissolving pulp that can be used to produce new MMCF. They also include solvent-based processes that can directly recover PET melt and cellulosic material.

Circulose - Developing an idea to full scale plant

Our mission is to utilize our technological experience to jointly develop our customers’ ideas to full scale plants including automation and process control. One example for this co-development is Circulose´s (formerly Renewcell) full scale chemical textile recycling plant, where Valmet delivered a multi-stage decolorization plant as part of a wider scope.

Available solutions for chemical recycling

Bleaching

Valmet provides state-of-the-art bleach plants for all commercial pulp grades, i.e. chemical, dissolving and mechanical pulps of softwood and hardwood. Valmet’s bleaching plants are customized to meet each pulp mill's unique needs.

Pumps

Valmet’s unique and wide range of medium consistency pumps enables the most energy and cost-efficient pump choice for each application. The selection consists of two types of pumps: the CM type for feeding bleaching stages and reactors, and the CW type for feeding presses.

Mixer

Valmet has developed and manufactured mixers for the pulp industry for nearly 50 years. The latest generation, called SMF, has rapidly gained recognition, since it offers an unrivalled technical solution, quite distinct from conventional mixers on the market.

Pulp washing with excellent efficiency

Valmet is the world’s leading supplier of pulp washers. With state-of-the-art technology, our washers achieve optimal washing under all process conditions.

Contact us to explore how we can support your success with textile recycling

Stay ahead in the dynamic textile market with innovative concepts designed to enhance fiber production. We can offer flexible approaches tailored to your needs.