ABB and Syre to explore
ABB and Syre team up to explore technologies for large-scale textile recycling
Group press release | Zurich, Switzerland | 2026-03-31
ABB and Syre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to look into automation, electrification, and digital solutions for recycling polyester from textiles in Vietnam.
This collaboration aims to evaluate quality control, process automation, electrification infrastructure, and digital tools. The partnership promotes the large-scale production of circular polyester as a way to address the global issue of textile waste.
ABB has partnered with the Swedish textile impact company Syre to explore technologies that will help develop Syre’s first textile-to-textile recycling plant in Vietnam.
The agreement sets up a framework for working together to see how ABB’s automation, electrification, and digital technologies can aid safe, efficient, and scalable operations.
It will also look at how these technologies can enhance process and quality control as Syre works towards its goal of producing circular polyester on a large scale.
The planned facility in Gia Lai province, Vietnam, aims to recycle polyester from old textiles and industrial waste into new recycled polyester.
Polyester is one of the most commonly used fibers globally and is usually made from fossil fuels. Recycling polyester reduces the need for new fossil materials, lowers environmental impact, and keeps valuable materials in use, supporting the move towards a more circular textile industry.
Through this MoU, ABB and Syre will evaluate how ABB’s technologies, including its control systems, digital software, and electrification solutions, can be tailored for polyester textile-to-textile recycling.
These activities will likely take place alongside the detailed engineering phase of Syre’s first plant.
“This agreement shows ABB’s commitment to aiding new industrial applications where automation and electrification can boost resource efficiency,” said Wilson Monteiro, Global Business Line Manager for Pulp, Paper, and Fiber in ABB’s Process Industries division.
“Together with Syre, we will look into how our expertise in fiber processing, chemicals, and advanced industries can be applied to polyester recycling. We’re eager to see what’s possible through this technological collaboration.”
“As we move into full industrial operation, partnerships like this are crucial,” said Dennis Nobelius, CEO of Syre.
“Turning textile-to-textile recycling into a reality is complex, and while strong demand is important, it needs to be paired with top-tier industrial partners. ABB has the expertise and capability we need; they are a key part of the industrial ecosystem we are building.”
Since launching publicly two years ago, Syre has quickly developed its technological base, setting up a research and development facility and a pilot production line in Mebane, North Carolina.
In 2025, the company ramped up production to multi-ton levels of circular PET chips, proving the effectiveness of its textile-to-textile recycling process. Syre is now focused on advancing plans for its first large-scale production site in Vietnam, with construction expected to start in 2027.
Although this partnership is still in the exploratory phase, it highlights ABB’s commitment to promoting the next generation of fiber-based industries.
As circular materials shift from being just an idea to becoming a reality, ABB continues to use its automation, electrification, and digital skills to enable efficient and scalable production.
ABB is a worldwide leader in electrification and automation, working towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
By combining its engineering and digital skills, ABB helps industries operate at high efficiency while becoming more productive and sustainable. This approach is what we call ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has a history of over 140 years and employs about 110,000 people globally. ABB’s shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
