Circulose Restarts Commercial-Scale Textile Recycling and Appoints Interim CEO
Circulose has restarted commercial-scale production at its Ortviken plant in Sundsvall, Sweden. This marks an important step in scaling textile-to-textile recycling for the global fashion industry.
The facility is the world’s first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling plant. Its restart also signals progress in moving proven recycling solutions beyond pilot projects and into commercial production.
In 2024, private equity firm Altor acquired Circulose. Under its new ownership, the company adopted a renewed business strategy. Its main priority was to secure volume commitments from partner brands. This would allow it to bring its CIRCULOSE® recycled material back to the market at scale.
“Our focus has been to align the production restart with confirmed demand. With commitments from 16 brands, and more on the way, we are now there. Today Circulose is backed by leading brands and fiber producers, has an organization of around 130 people with deep expertise where it matters, and a plant ready to produce,” says Helena Helmersson, Executive Chair of Circulose.
With the Ortviken plant operational again, Circulose will continue supplying recycled raw material to fashion brands and fibre producers. The facility will support production at commercial scale. It will also help the industry divert discarded textiles from landfills and incineration.
Circulose Announces Leadership Transition
Alongside the production restart, Circulose has announced a leadership change. CEO Jonatan Janmark has led the company’s restart for two years. However, he has now decided to step down in agreement with the Board.
CFO Amanda Geijer will take over as interim CEO. She will lead the company until a permanent CEO is appointed. Meanwhile, Helena Helmersson will support her as Executive Chair.
“When Jonatan joined, Circulose had just been given a second chance. Since then, he has made Circulose a leading player in textile-to-textile recycling again. That has taken a lot of energy, creativity and teamwork. I have learnt a lot from working with Jonatan, and on behalf of the board and our owners, I want to thank him for everything he has built,” says Helena Helmersson, Chair of the Board of Circulose.
Jonatan Janmark also reflected on his time with the company. He highlighted the progress made during the restart.
“It has been a privilege to rebuild Circulose, and I am proud of what we have achieved. With confirmed market demand for our product, a strong team in place, and a plant ready for production, the time has come for me to hand over,” says Jonatan Janmark, CEO of Circulose
Helena Helmersson also expressed confidence in the interim leadership arrangement.
“For the upcoming phase, I am very pleased that Amanda, who knows the company and our plans well, has agreed to lead Circulose as interim CEO until a permanent CEO is in place. I look forward to working closely with her and the team during that period,” says Helena Helmersson.
Focus on Production and Customer Commitments
As interim CEO, Amanda Geijer will lead Circulose through its next phase. Her immediate priority will be to increase production safely. The company will also focus on meeting its customer commitments.
“Restarting Ortviken is a milestone for Circulose and for the industry. Our focus now is to ramp up production safely and deliver on the commitments to our customers,” says Amanda Geijer, interim CEO of Circulose.
Geijer joined Circulose as CFO in 2025. Before that, she served as Vice President of Finance at Billerud Europe. The leadership change will take effect on 1 December 2026.
With the plant back in operation and commitments from 16 brands secured, Circulose is entering a new phase. The company aims to strengthen its position in textile-to-textile recycling. At the same time, it will support the fashion industry’s shift towards more circular material sourcing.
