Recyc’Elit: Turning Trash into Treasure!
The eco-warriors over at Recyc’Elit in Chasse-sur-Rhône are strutting down the innovation runway like they own the place! Why, you ask? They’ve just been awarded finalist status in the snazzy Innovation Trophies for both the “industry” and “young growth” categories—so they clearly know how to make a splash! And no, folks, this isn’t just from the water they’re saving with their genius recycling methods.
Founded in 2019 by the dynamic duo of brothers Karim and Raouf Medimagh, Recyc’Elit has tackled a problem that has had other companies tossing their hands in the air like they’re at a bad magician show. They’ve developed a groundbreaking low-carbon selective recycling process that specializes in polyester-based plastics and textiles. Let’s just say that if recycling were a game of chess, they’d be the grandmasters taking down every opponent effortlessly.
Complex Textiles? Not a Problem!
Many have tried and failed to recycle complex textiles, and for a while, it seemed like just another thing destined for the landfill or incinerator—like that weird pair of socks nobody wants. But fear not! Recyc’Elit has patented a process that operates at low temperature and ambient atmospheric pressure. In layman’s terms: they’ve done the impossible! They manage to separate complex polyester-based textiles, so those materials can be marketed again, retaining their high value. Talk about a comeback!
This process recovers recycled polyester, elastane, and polyamide like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, or, perhaps more fittingly, like polyester springing back into fabric form—without missing a beat. They’re essentially allowing these materials to reincarnate endlessly, without losing any of their precious properties—all while we mere mortals are still wondering how to detox our wardrobes.
The Future is Bright—And a Little Fabric-y!
Now, hold onto your hats because in 2025, the first demonstrator will be unveiled in Chasse-sur-Rhône—because who doesn’t want to watch a recycling revolution unfold in front of their very eyes? Recyc’Elit has its sights set on a future where waste is but a whispered memory, thanks to their innovative chemical recycling methods applicable across a sea of industries. Recyc’Elit is the ultimate recycler, playing the long game with textile players from every angle to create a circular economy that makes even the Green Lantern blush.
Decathlon Steps Up
And now for the cherry on top! A heavyweight contender has thrown their hat into the ring: Decathlon! Yes, you heard it right! The famous Mulliez family’s investment structure, Decathlon Alliances, has backed the start-up. This partnership means that Decathlon will be able to divert textiles recycled from waste and maintain its competitive edge while basking in the glow of sustainability. Talk about a win-win situation!
As Karim and Raouf Medimagh, the masterminds behind Recyc’Elit, put it: “Together with Decathlon, we can reverse the trend for textile waste, transforming it into a valuable resource for our circular economy…” It’s almost poetic, really—if poetry had a lot of recycled yarn and a sprinkle of brotherly love.
Who knew recycling could be this exciting? So, the next time someone rolls their eyes at your eco-friendly products, just whip out your Recyc’Elit knowledge and remind them that even the simplest things can be part of a revolutionary movement. Kudos, Medimagh brothers!
Recyc’Elit, a pioneering company located in Chasse-sur-Rhône, has recently earned the distinction of being a finalist in the Innovation Trophies, showcasing its groundbreaking efforts in the “industry” and “young growth” categories, as reported by our colleagues at Brief Eco in Lyon.
The innovative company, founded in 2019 by visionary brothers Karim and Raouf Medimagh, has successfully tackled a persistent technical challenge in recycling that has confounded many others in the industry.
With a clear commitment to sustainability, the start-up has engineered a revolutionary low-carbon and selective recycling process tailored for various types of plastic and polyester-based textile materials. This cutting-edge method holds significant promise for advancing the circular economy by effectively recycling complex textiles that would otherwise face the grim fate of landfilling or incineration.
Recyc’Elit boasts a patented technology that operates efficiently at low temperatures and under ambient atmospheric pressure. This innovative process enables the selective separation of multifaceted polyester-based textiles, paving the way for the commercialization of reclaimed materials that offer considerable added value.
This advanced material separation technique proficiently recovers essential materials such as recycled polyester, elastane, and polyamide, contributing significantly to sustainability.
The recovered polyester is returned to its fundamental constituents, which after undergoing a careful purification process, allows for its remanufacture into granules in an infinite cycle—ensuring no loss of its original properties.
First demonstrator in Chasse-sur-Rhône in 2025
The initial demonstrator for this groundbreaking technology is set to be constructed in 2025 in Chasse-sur-Rhône, heralding a new era in textile recycling.
Through innovative chemical recycling, the start-up aims to eliminate waste and create applications that span a broad spectrum of industries, thus promoting sustainability at multiple levels.
Recyc’Elit is actively collaborating with textile industry players, working both upstream to recover textile waste and downstream to supply high-quality polyester textile yarn and other recycled materials, establishing a comprehensive value chain that is designed to enhance the entire recycling process.
Decathlon invested in the company
In a strategic move to bolster its commitment to sustainable practices, Decathlon, a prominent player in the retail sector owned by the Mulliez family—known for their ownership of Auchan—made a significant investment in Recyc’Elit last May through its investment arm, Decathlon Alliances.
This partnership is set to provide Decathlon with access to textiles that have been recycled from waste, thereby enabling the retail giant to maintain its competitive edge while actively engaging in the textile recycling value chain, as stated by representatives from the northern group.
Karim and Raouf Medimagh, who serve as president and CEO of Recyc’Elit respectively, expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Together with Decathlon, we can reverse the trend for textile waste, transforming it into a valuable resource for our circular economy…” CQFD.
Photo DR-Karim and Raouf Medimagh, respectively president and general manager of Recyc’elit.
### Interview with Karim Medimagh: Co-Founder of Recyc’Elit
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Karim! Recyc’Elit has recently made headlines by becoming a finalist in the Innovation Trophies. How does it feel to receive this recognition?
**Karim Medimagh:** Thank you for having me! We are thrilled to be recognized as finalists in both the “industry” and “young growth” categories. It’s a validation of our hard work and innovative approach to recycling. We see it not just as an honor but also as an opportunity to raise awareness about textile recycling and its importance in our fight against waste.
**Interviewer:** Your work focuses on recycling complex polyester-based materials, which many have struggled with in the past. What inspired you and your brother Raouf to tackle this challenge?
**Karim Medimagh:** We noticed a significant gap in the textile recycling market—so many materials were going to waste due to existing recycling methods being inefficient or ineffective. As brothers, we drew on our different experiences and skills to create a process that could sift through complex textiles and separate them into valuable materials. Our motivation was to turn what many consider waste into something valuable, contributing to a circular economy.
**Interviewer:** Can you explain your patented process a bit more? How does it set you apart from other recycling methods?
**Karim Medimagh:** Absolutely! Our process operates at low temperatures and uses ambient atmospheric pressure, which minimizes energy consumption while efficiently separating textiles. We can recover materials like recycled polyester, elastane, and polyamide without losing their properties. This unique approach not only makes recycling more sustainable but also ensures that the materials can be reused repeatedly, essentially reincarnating them.
**Interviewer:** That is quite impressive! You’re set to unveil a demonstrator in 2025. What can we expect from that launch?
**Karim Medimagh:** The demonstrator will showcase our technology in action, revealing how we can process complex textiles and recover high-quality materials. We hope this will inspire confidence in our methods and highlight the potential for scaling this technology across various industries. Our goal is to demonstrate that textile recycling can be part of a larger sustainability strategy for many businesses.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of scaling, Decathlon has recently invested in Recyc’Elit. What does this partnership mean for your mission?
**Karim Medimagh:** Partnering with Decathlon is a game changer for us. Their investment will allow us to enhance our capabilities and extend our impact on textile waste reduction. Together, we aim to create a workflow that transforms recycled textiles into resources for the circular economy, effectively reversing the trend of textile waste. It’s a truly symbiotic relationship that aligns perfectly with our vision.
**Interviewer:** It’s exciting to see such collaborations. what message do you have for individuals looking to contribute to sustainability through recycling?
**Karim Medimagh:** Every little action counts! Simple steps like being mindful of your textile consumption and supporting companies that prioritize sustainability can drive significant change. The more we advocate for responsible practices, the closer we get to a circular economy. Recycling is a part of that, and together we can help forge a future where waste is a thing of the past.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Karim! It’s been enlightening to hear about Recyc’Elit and your vision for a more sustainable future.
**Karim Medimagh:** Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to share our story and the importance of recycling in today’s world.
