A specialist in mechanical recycling for cotton and cotton-polyester blends, Recover has entered into a joint venture with local manufacturer Intradeco to boost production of recycled cotton fibers in Central America by setting up a production facility in El Salvador.
Located close to Central American textile waste and production streams, the 75,400-sq-ft facility will house production lines, a warehouse, research labs, and offices for support functions, and will open in H2, FY25. Some of initial production of this facility will be managed in the company’s home country of Spain. Its production capacity will increase to 12,500 metric tons by 2026-end.
Besides allowing fast turnaround times for textile producers in the Americas, the facility will also benefit companies looking to shrink their carbon footprint in transport, those nearshoring their operations, and those seeking flexibility in an increasingly risky trade environment.
Sourcing feedstock from Central America will also help US textile and apparel manufacturers ensure compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and will support secured traceability for companies to back up their supply chain claims.
Central America has become increasingly vital due to its nearness to major markets, especially the US. This joint venture between Recover and Intradeco, along with its vertical supply chains, allows companies to supply recycled cotton products directly from the region, enabling quick and flexible supply chains, thus cutting lead times, costs, and environmental impact, says Anders Sjoblom, CEO, Recover.
Major non-American-based brands either have, or are setting up, sourcing operations in Central America to serve nearby countries, which really validates this move for us. The region has become increasingly important over the past few years due to the global disruptions we’ve witnessed, he adds.
This joint venture is another step in Recover’s journey to enable large-scale sustainable change in fashion through business value and inspiration. Alongwith Intradeco, the brand aims to change global trend patterns and drive innovation and sustainability in the textile industry, states Sjöblom.
Jaime Miguel, CEO, Intradeco, affirms, in partnership with Recover, Intradeco aims to enhance its production capabilities and deliver high-quality recycled products at scale to customers. This partnership represents a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to sustainability, he adds.
This will be the fifth facility for Recover, following its factories in Spain, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, as well as Pakistan, which operates through a partner. Sjöblom said he has not yet seen immediate effects.
