Anton Ålund – Feedstock Manager
As one of the first to join Syre, Anton Ålund leads Syre’s work on securing feedstock – critical to both solving the problem of textile waste and producing circular polyester. From mapping the supply chain to collaborating with government authorities and industry partners, Anton is focused on building and growing a global feedstock collection ecosystem. The goal? A system that supports Syre’s scaling ambitions and makes circularity a cost-efficient reality for every player in the value chain.
You were one of the very first to join Syre. How did you reach that decision?
“I was immediately excited by the opportunity to make a real impact. Textile waste is an increasing problem all over the world and across all parts of the supply chain, and Syre offers a solution to this. I feel lucky to be a part of this solution from such an early stage. It makes my work inspiring every day.”
What is your role and what are your responsibilities at Syre?
“Having been a part of the company since the early days, my role has taken a few different shapes, but the common denominator has always been feedstock. This means I'm part of the team that ensures that we build and grow a feedstock ecosystem that can support Syre's scaling ambitions.”
In your eyes, what does the textile supply chain look like?
“I think the best way to describe the textile value chain is as a set of parallel value chains. It’s complex because it’s highly global, technically diverse – with agricultural, mechanical and chemical processes all playing crucial parts – and it includes many processing steps, both dry and wet. On top of the complex manufacturing stage, the end uses are very diverse, and it’s next to impossible to find an industry that does not consume textiles. From a feedstock collection perspective, this becomes increasingly complex as end-of-use textiles are generated in small quantities in many different places, both pre-and post-consumer.”
Where are the biggest challenges in the supply chain and on the contrary, the biggest opportunities?
“The biggest challenge, but also the greatest opportunity, lies in developing a system where textiles can be circulated back into the value chain as raw material in a cost-efficient way for all actors.”
How do you work with securing feedstock at Syre?
“Given the complexities in the textile value chain, collaboration is key to securing feedstock. We are working towards creating a global ecosystem of feedstock collection that makes us regionally relevant wherever we establish a recycling facility. In practice, this means working very closely with both governmental authorities and industry partners to build a collection system that creates win-win situations for every actor in the ecosystem.”
Looking ahead to the construction of Syre’s first large scale recycling plant in Vietnam, what do you most look forward to?
“I can't wait for the first containers of feedstock to arrive at our site, ready to be recycled into new products.”