Michelin Partners with Syntetica to Industrialize Chemical Recycling of Textiles
Syntetica, a deeptech startup specializing in chemical recycling of textiles, and Michelin's Sustainable Materials Center announced on Thursday a collaboration to transform a laboratory technology into an industrial solution. The pilot plant will be located at the Michelin Innovation Park in Clermont-Ferrand.
Depolymerization Process Serving the Circular Economy
The collaboration combines Michelin's industrial expertise, a recognized player in material science for over 130 years, with the patented chemical recycling process developed by Syntetica. The project enables, for the first time, the industrial-scale recycling of mixed textiles rich in nylon without prior sorting. Syntetica's technology operates at low temperatures and produces high-purity recycled nylon 6 and nylon 6,6, suitable for textile, automotive, and industrial applications. The pilot installation will benefit from the industrial facilities, technical teams, and operational excellence of the Sustainable Materials Center.
Volumes and Timeline of the Pilot Project
The pilot project aims to recycle several tons of textiles from the initial phase, with a gradual increase to industrial volumes. A future demonstration project is planned starting from 2027. This collaboration is part of a structured European regulatory framework, marked by the mandatory separate collection of textiles from 2025 and increasing requirements for recycled content starting from 2027.
A Platform for Extension to Other Polymers
The pilot installation at the Sustainable Materials Center is the first step in a broader ambition, supported by Syntetica's green chemistry platform. This platform is designed to extend to other polymers and pave the way for a new generation of circular industrial solutions.
