Bailu Group launches next-gen viscose pilot line, pioneering direct-dissolution technology
Bailu Group (Xinxiang Chemical Fiber) has officially inaugurated a small-scale pilot production line for Next Generation viscose fibre at its newly established BylurRecel facility in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China. The milestone marks a significant step toward more sustainable and circular textile manufacturing.
The new line produces regenerated cellulosic fibres using recovered textiles, primarily post-consumer waste such as discarded hotel linens, complemented by pre-consumer industrial scraps. Departing from traditional methods, the BylurRecel line bypasses the conventional dissolving pulp stage. Instead, it employs an innovative direct-dissolution process, which promises to reduce the environmental footprint by consuming less energy, water, and chemicals.
The pilot plant has an initial annual capacity of 1,000 tons of viscose staple fibre, with plans already underway for a second line to produce 1,000 tons of viscose filament fibre annually. In 2025, Bailu expects to produce approximately 600 tons of Next Gen fibres as part of the pilot phase. Scale-up targets will be determined based on the operational performance of the new facility and evolving supply chain dynamics.
Once scaled, the BylurRecel initiative will contribute meaningfully to China’s national goal of reducing textile waste by 30% by 2030 and support the vision of a closed-loop textile economy. Bailu Group is no stranger to innovation. The company currently produces Bailu-Eco viscose filament yarn using Södra’s OnceMore® recycled pulp and maintains a total production capacity of 100,000 tons per year. Recognized for its responsible sourcing practices, Bailu has collaborated with Canopy since 2018, holds a Dark Green Shirt rating in the 2024 Hot Button Report, and is considered low risk for sourcing from ancient and endangered forests.
