PureCycle, MiniFIBERS, Beverly Knits Complete Successful Trial with PCR Resin

PureCycle Technologies, Inc. (PCT) has announced the successful completion of a trial collaboration with MiniFIBERS and Beverly Knits, resulting in the production of several high-caliber product prototypes. MiniFIBERS, a leading name in specialty fiber products, incorporated PureCycle's groundbreaking PCR resin technology into their fiber packaging development. This move signifies MiniFIBERS' commitment to reducing environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle, while leveraging PureCycle's innovative resin to potentially enhance product performance and cost-efficiency. These packages were subsequently forwarded to Beverly Knits, a prominent U.S. textile manufacturer, for the creation of textiles spanning diverse markets such as home goods, automotive components, industrial applications, and apparel items. These initial product prototypes are intended to reassure brand owners of the uncompromised quality achievable by incorporating PureCycle resin into their product offerings.

Dustin Olson, CEO of PureCycle, commended MiniFIBERS as a valuable partner at the outset of their commercial journey, emphasizing their collaborative efforts to integrate recycled content into materials. He noted historical challenges faced by fiber producers in utilizing recycled polypropylene due to contaminants that could compromise thread integrity during manufacturing. Olson highlighted PureCycle's unique process, which removes contaminants at a molecular level, ensuring enhanced product quality and durability. He underscored the significance of this trial, showcasing PureCycle resin in a non-food grade application and addressing a critical gap in the global demand for virgin polypropylene. Olson expressed confidence in PureCycle resin's potential to effectively replace fossil-based polypropylene across various sectors, including fiber production.

Ron Sytz, owner of Beverly Knits, emphasized the seamless integration of PureCycle’s resin into their fabrics, noting that these materials perform identically to those made with virgin polypropylene fiber. He highlighted the versatility of PureCycle’s technology, enabling sustainable solutions across a wide range of applications without compromising on performance. Sytz expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with both current and future customers to incorporate PureCycle’s innovative resin into advanced textiles tailored to meet specific requirements. This partnership aims to drive forward sustainable practices in textile manufacturing, offering environmentally friendly alternatives while maintaining high standards of quality and functionality.

Polypropylene fiber is a versatile material widely employed across industries such as apparel, textiles, and automotive. In a noteworthy development in early March, MiniFIBERS showcased a rug crafted entirely from 100% PureCycle resin derived from post-industrial recycled (PIR) sources. This innovative use underscores PureCycle's commitment to sustainable practices, offering a glimpse into the potential of recycled materials to meet high-quality standards in various applications, from fashion to industrial uses.

John Garner, Sales Director at MiniFIBERS, highlighted the significance of successful trials with PureCycle resin derived from both post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) waste. He emphasized that brand owners globally are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions, making these trials a significant advancement for the industry and for promoting sustainability. Garner expressed optimism about continuing their collaboration with PureCycle and their partners at Beverly Knits to move towards commercial production of sustainable products that will soon be available to consumers. This initiative aims to meet growing market demands for environmentally friendly materials while maintaining high standards of quality and performance.

PureCycle and MiniFIBERS are expanding their collaboration to explore the potential of their recycled materials in new nonwoven applications. This initiative aims to enhance the sustainability profile of products across the construction, automotive, and appliance sectors.