Wrood Ode, Global Procurement Manager
With a background in industrial engineering, Wrood Ode, Syre’s Global Procurement & NPI Manager, has extensive experience from leading supplier establishment projects in the Asian market. Now she’s relocating to Vietnam to be at the heart of operations during the crucial early phase of establishing Syre’s first textile-to-textile recycling gigascale plant.
Tell us a bit about your background and what drew you to Syre
"I have a background in industrial engineering and over the past seven years, I’ve worked closely with suppliers to build large-scale manufacturing sites and leading supply chain operations across Europe and Asia. My work has focused on scaling new industrial technologies and establishing supplier partnerships and some of them within the PET industry, which has some similarities with Syre’s process. The key difference is that Syre replaces fossil-based raw materials with textile waste to produce circular polyester.
Much of my experience is rooted in the Asian market, where I’ve been involved in leading supplier establishment projects and supporting industrial transfers from Asia to Europe. This has given me valuable insights into managing cross-border production setups, navigating industrial complexities, as well as how to build long-term partnerships in global supply chains.
What drew me to Syre was the bold mission to transform the textile industry by introducing true circularity at scale. I’m passionate about sustainability through execution — building not only infrastructure, but also the systems, collaborations, and teams that make long-term impact possible."
And now you’re relocating to Vietnam?
"Yes, at least for the time being. It was a natural decision to be at the heart of operations during this crucial early phase. Establishing Syre’s first gigascale plant involves complex tasks such as evaluating industrial parks, understanding local permitting processes, and aligning energy and logistics infrastructure. Being physically present is essential to navigate these challenges effectively.
I believe that trust-based relationships are key to successful industrialization. By being in Vietnam, I can directly engage with local authorities, industrial park operators, energy providers, and suppliers ensuring speed, alignment, and strong partnership. Our success depends on collaboration and being on-site is the best way to foster this from the outset."
What will be your key focus over the coming weeks?
"My primary focus over the coming weeks will be leading in-depth assessments of our shortlisted industrial parks. This involves initiating technical site investigations, ensuring infrastructure readiness, and launching qualification activities to support long-term investment decisions. I will coordinate Syre’s expectations and timelines on site to align with our expansion goals.
Simultaneously, we will start mapping green energy sourcing options. Since Syre’s factory is designed to operate on 100 percent renewable electricity, this requires identifying suitable energy partners and co-developing a strategy to secure sufficient capacity and infrastructure. These weeks are all dedicated to laying the foundation – both technically and relationally — for Syre’s long-term presence in Vietnam."
What does the ideal gigascale site look like?
An ideal gigascale factory is designed for high-volume, continuous production with long-term scalability in mind. It typically spans tens of hectares and integrates advanced infrastructure to support 24/7 operations. Key features include:
· Robust utility access: High-capacity electricity,water supply, and wastewater treatment
· Efficient logistics: Proximity to seaports, highways,and industrial zones to ensure smooth inbound and outbound flow of materials
· Built-in flexibility: Space and infrastructure tosupport future process expansions or technology upgrades
· Environmental integration: Solutions that minimize carbon footprint, such as solar or wind energy integration, green building standards, and circular waste management
· Workforce and community access: Nearby access to skilled labor, housing, and services that support long-term operations
Ultimately, a gigascale site isn’t just large — it’s built to be resilient, efficient, and future-proof, capable of hosting world-class production while aligning with sustainability and innovation goals.