ABB to equip new Renewcell textile processing facility with automation and electrification solutions

2021: ABB Industrial Pulp Textile Plant Equipping Plan

On September 29, 2021, ABB announced that it would equip Renewcell, a textile industrial processing company in Sundsvall, Sweden, with automation and electrification solutions, quality control systems, electric motors and drives.

Renewcell is a rapidly growing Swedish company specializing in sustainable development and textile processing technologies.

Using ABB technologies, the former SCA paper mill will become a plant for the industrial processing of textiles from pulp, in which various fabrics will be produced from disintegrated natural materials, such as pulp. Renewcell is already collaborating with some clothing manufacturers. In 2020, the company agreed with H&M Group on a long-term partnership to replace natural fibers in clothing with recycled textiles.

The agreement between ABB and Renewcell is a significant development for the fashion industry due to the fact that it has a great impact on the environment as a result of the production of raw materials for clothing. According to preliminary estimates by Renewcell, the production of textile fiber from processed raw materials requires about 50 liters of fresh water per 1 kg of material. For comparison: approximately 1600 and 90 liters of water are spent on the production of 1 kg of cotton and viscose, respectively. Renewcell's technology approach will generate up to 60,000  tons of fiber per year and save about 90 billion liters of fresh water, which corresponds to the volume of 36,000  Olympic pools. In addition, it will reduce waste, reduce plastic pollution and reduce CO₂ and chemical emissions. The use of recycled textiles will enable companies to meet their obligations to reduce their negative impact.

"ABB has demonstrated its ability to offer end-to-end automation and electrification solutions based on its products and services. Its specialists have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to comply with the budget and deadlines of this project. In addition, ABB and Renewcell adhere to the same principles regarding resource efficiency, closed-loop economics and sustainable development, " said Patrik Lundström, CEO of Renewcell.

"We, as a technology company, believe that electrification and automation technologies play a key role in transforming industry and reducing environmental impact. We share the principles of a closed production cycle in the fashion industry. This goal is consistent with our steps to systematically increase process isolation in our supply chain in line with our internal sustainable development strategy for 2030, " noted Theodor Swedjemark, ABB Director of Communications and Sustainable Development.

"As part of this agreement, we will be able to help Renewcell reduce emissions and conserve resources through our knowledge and expertise in pulp and paper production. To transition to environmentally friendly clothing production, our quality control processes are used, "- stated Joachim Braun, president of ABB Industrial Processes.

During the garment processing process, which is similar to pulp drying in paper production, pulp in cotton fabrics and viscose is divided into separate parts and converted into new raw materials. Due to the similarity with the paper production process, Renewcell can use the existing infrastructure of the SCA plant, including structures and systems for the supply and treatment of unprepared water, sewage, compressed air and electricity. This opportunity, combined with ABB's experience in paper manufacturing and automation, allows you to create recycled textiles that could instead go to a landfill or incinerator.

ABB offers, for example, special technologies for controlling a pulp dryer. Previously, such an apparatus has been used to dry untreated wood pulp in the manufacture of paper and packaging. ABB also has knowledge of process-specific quality assurance. As a result of testing of the pilot plant, the customer asked for solutions for measuring weight and moisture content.

The equipment to be installed at the plant includes the ABB Ability System 800xA process control system. It provides operators with extensive opportunities to collect various data and precisely control the process from the central console and helps to preserve resources, reduce material consumption and reduce waste during production. ABB's PMC800 drive systems will reduce the cost of the automation cycle and increase process energy efficiency. In addition, ABB will provide Renewcell with ACS880 variable frequency drives and IE4 class high energy efficiency motors that exceed EU energy efficiency requirements (IE3 required). According to the company's estimates, the combination of high-energy-efficient motors with frequency-controlled drives reduces electricity consumption in pulp and paper production systems with streaming control by at least 30 %.