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Textile recycling

Textile waste instead of PET bottle flakes: AUNDE and PreZero agree on strategic cooperation in polyester recycling

Mönchengladbach, Germany

On 6 October 2025, AUNDE and PreZero signed a contractual agreement for the joint development and operation of an innovative textile recycling plant. The aim of the cooperation is to recycle polyester-containing textile waste and produce high-quality recycled polyester granules.

With the planned joint venture, both companies are sending a strong signal for greater sustainability in the textile industry. The new recycling plant is scheduled to go into operation in 2026 and will address a relevant problem in the industry: while the production of polyester fibres is continuously increasing worldwide, around 99% of recycled polyester fibres are currently based on PET bottle flakes.

As PET bottles are already used efficiently in a closed loop in the packaging industry, there is competition for this valuable resource, as the textile industry also needs it for its polyester fibres. The solution envisaged by AUNDE and PreZero offers a real alternative for the future: the material recycling of textile waste can be used to produce polyester granules that serve as a substitute for PET bottle flakes and can be fed directly into the production of new polyester fibres. This enables a closed recycling loop within the textile industry.

''With this cooperation, we are laying the foundation for more sustainable textile production and making an important contribution to the circular economy,'' the companies jointly explain.

Peter Bolten, CEO of the AUNDE Group, emphasises:
"As an international textile manufacturer for the automotive industry, we see it as our responsibility to actively help shape sustainable solutions. The cooperation with PreZero is a significant step towards keeping textile materials in circulation while reducing our dependence on PET bottles. Our goal is to set a new standard in textile recycling with this plant."

Ronald Bornée, member of the management board of PreZero Germany, underlines the groundbreaking significance: ‘We are delighted to be working with AUNDE to achieve an important milestone in textile recycling. True to one of our values, we will take the lead and create a solution for textile waste from industry and commerce, thereby strengthening the circular economy in Germany and Europe.’

www.aunde-group.com

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