Shinkong Synthetic Fibers, a global polyester manufacturer headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, is making a strategic $10 million investment in Los Angeles-based Ambercycle’s first commercial plant for producing cycora polyester from waste textiles.

The investment builds on three years of collaboration on Ambercycle’s molecular regeneration technology, building on Shinkong’s extensive experience in the premium polyester market.

“This investment signifies a crucial milestone in our endeavor to make circular materials widely available,” said Shay Sethi, CEO of Ambercycle. “We are excited to deepen our partnership with Shinkong. This investment enables us to scale up to meet the growing demand of our customers and push the boundaries of sustainable textile production.”

The demand for decarbonised polyester is expected to reach approximately seven million tons annually in 2026, up from five million tons in 2015, as more brands seek out circular materials to reach their sustainability goals. Ambercycle expects to commence operations at its new facility in 2026.

“Recognising Ambercycle’s leadership in circular solutions, we are eager to support its expansion,” said Shinkong chairman Eric Wu. “Investing in the new facility is not just a strategic move, it’s a commitment to pioneering a future with decarbonised polyester, which we see as critical to our business. This collaboration will further amplify our capacity to deliver high-performance, sustainable products to the global market.”

In June, Hyosung became the first manufacturer in South Korea to introduce Ambercycle’s cycora polyester into supply chains and in the same month, MAS Holdings, a global apparel manufacturing and tech conglomerate headquartered in Sri Lanka, negotiated a three-year off-take agreement for cycora.

www.ambercycle.com