Bailu Group, the parent of Xinxiang Chemical Fiber Co, has launched a pilot production line for Next Generation viscose fibre at its newly built BylurRecel facility in Henan Province, China. This new line aims to produce regenerated cellulosic fibre using mainly post-consumer textiles, such as discarded hotel linens, along with some pre-consumer industrial waste.
BylurRecel employs a simplified, direct-dissolution process that eliminates the traditional dissolving pulp stage, offering significant potential to reduce energy, water, and chemical usage. The facility currently has an annual capacity of 1,000 tonnes of viscose staple fibre. A second line for viscose filament fibre, also with a 1,000-tonne capacity, is under development.
In 2025, Bailu expects to produce around 600 tonnes of its Next Gen fibre. However, large-scale targets will be finalised after the pilot phase is evaluated for performance and supply chain alignment. The project supports China’s goal of reducing textile waste by 30 per cent by 2030 and promotes a circular, closed-loop system of textile reuse.
Nicole Rycroft, Executive Director of Canopy, praised the move, calling it “a noteworthy step in the transition of China’s MMCF sector to more circular and Next Gen production.” She added that Bailu’s elimination of the pulp stage could reduce pressure on forest ecosystems.
This pilot complements Bailu’s Bailu-Eco viscose filament yarn, made with Sodra’s OnceMore recycled pulp. With a total capacity of 100,000 tonnes annually, Bailu Group has worked with Canopy since 2018 and received a Dark Green Shirt rating in Canopy’s 2024 Hot Button Report.
