Albany International advances textile recycling with Swedish partner

Albany International Corp. (NYSE: AIN) reported progress in its collaboration with Cyclezyme AB on developing enzyme-based recycling technology for industrial textiles made of polyester and polyamide materials.

The Swedish company has successfully depolymerized selected material samples and developed nylon-degrading enzymes for recycling polyamide-based materials, according to the press release. Cyclezyme has also conducted optimization work to improve degradation efficiency and is developing analytical methods to evaluate enzyme activity.

The project targets technical textiles and industrial materials used in papermaking, construction, process industries, logistics and manufacturing sectors. Current recycling solutions for these materials are limited, particularly for complex compositions combining multiple material types.

Both companies have initiated discussions about scaling the technology for future industrial applications. The enzyme-based approach aims to depolymerize both polyester and nylon materials, allowing them to be broken down into building blocks for reuse in new production.

"Cyclezyme's innovative approach and advanced enzymes are proving capable of depolymerizing both polyester and nylon," said Merle Stein, President of Machine Clothing at Albany International.

Peter Falck, CEO of Cyclezyme AB, said the results demonstrate the potential for enzymatic recycling of advanced textiles and industrial materials that are difficult to recycle with current methods.

Albany International operates 25 facilities in 12 countries and employs approximately 5,700 people worldwide. The company's Machine Clothing division produces belts for paper manufacturing, while Albany Engineered Composites makes components for aerospace applications.

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