A groundbreaking textile recycling plant is set to rise in Saint-Avold, nestled in France’s Grand Est region, marking a global first in sustainable manufacturing. Announced at the recent 2025 Choose France Summit by President Emmanuel Macron, the €450 million facility will be powered by cutting-edge technology from Circ, a firm headquartered in Danville, Virginia.

This one-of-a-kind plant will focus on recycling post-consumer and post-industrial polycotton fabrics materials once deemed impossible to recycle. Using Circ’s patented hydrothermal process, the technology successfully separates polyester and cotton, the two dominant fibres that together represent nearly 77 percent of the global textile market.

With construction expected to begin in late 2026 and operations set for 2028, the facility is designed to process 70,000 tons of waste textiles annually. The initiative directly supports the European Union’s 2030 climate targets and represents a pivotal step toward a regenerative, low-carbon fashion economy.

Circ selected France for its strong industrial base, supportive circular economy policies, and globally respected fashion culture. Saint-Avold stood out for its strategic location, expert workforce, and excellent logistics infrastructure, providing the ideal foundation for this transformative venture. Engineering giants such as Andritz, GEA, and Worley will collaborate on the development, ensuring world-class execution. Beyond France, Circ envisions expanding with future sites in North America and Asia, scaling its mission to reshape global textile systems.

Peter Majeranowski, Circ’s president, described the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing vision. He believes the new facility will act as a catalyst for change, proving that fashion can be circular, less polluting, and inherently sustainable. The plant stands not just as a technological triumph but as a beacon of hope for a planet urgently in need of large-scale climate solutions.