The historic Kodak site in Rochester, New York, is set for a transformative new chapter with the arrival of Reju, a pioneering textile recycling startup. Reju has chosen this iconic location for its first U.S. recycling plant, investing a substantial $390 million into the project.
Scheduled to open in 2029, the 450,000-square-foot facility will process an impressive 300 million garments annually, spanning 18.9 acres of the Eastman Business Park. This site, originally founded by George Eastman in 1890, now hosts over 100 companies, including Eastman Kodak, which is partnering with Reju on this venture.
Why Rochester Stands Out
Rochester’s selection was no accident. The proximity to a chemical park and access to existing infrastructure made it an ideal choice. Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju and former head of Under Armour, emphasized that the site meets all their criteria. Additionally, significant support from state and regional governments played a crucial role in the decision.
Reju is not just making empty promises. The project is expected to create 70 new jobs and boost New York State’s green economy, according to Governor Kathy Hochul. The startup continues to collaborate with organizations like Goodwill and Waste Management to collect used textiles.
Advancing a Regional Circular Economy
Reju faces competition from companies like Syre, backed by H&M, which are also targeting the U.S. with large-scale plant projects. Meanwhile, brands are shifting away from recycled polyester made from bottles to more eco-friendly alternatives derived from textile waste.
Challenges remain, however. Developing a circular economy requires bridging the gap between textile waste collection and reintegration into supply chains. This is a significant undertaking for Reju and its competitors.
In this landscape, Reju’s Rochester project marks a major milestone, yet much work lies ahead to achieve a large-scale circular textile economy.