Südwolle Group (Germany) has formed a strategic cooperation with Renu project by Itochu Corporation Ltd (Japan). The partnership comprises a strategic co-development and marketing of yarns and fabrics constructed with Itochu’s Renu recycled polyester fibre blended with wool targeted for the worsted yarn industry.

Südwolle Group already integrates various recycled raw materials within its GRS certified yarns. With Renu fibres and filaments, the company now offers unique wool blends with recycled polyester originating exclusively from textile waste. Renu delivers the performance of synthetics, such as durability and abrasion-resistance, whereas wool contributes to comfort with its thermo-regulating and moisture-managing attributes as well as a soft hand touch.

Collected garments and textiles are cut and processed into new polyester fibres through a unique depolymerization and refining process. According to Südwolle, removing colours from the ‘previous textile’ is easily possible due to a special technology that allows the recycled material to have a dyeability comparable to virgin polyester.

In addition, quality and performance of the recycled polyester does not depend on the quality of the waste: Renu can utilize nearly any type of pre- and post-consumer waste as long as it contains polyester, Südwolle added.