Jilin Chemical Fiber Co Ltd (JLC) is ramping up production of its Next Generation Man-Made Cellulosic Fibre (MMCF) offerings, reinforcing its commitment to low-impact textile innovation in China’s growing circular fibre economy.

The company announced it will expand output of its viscose filament yarn Jirecell to an annual capacity of 10,000 tonnes, with potential to double to 20,000 tonnes. Jirecell is made from 70 per cent FSC-certified wood pulp and 30 per cent recycled cotton Circulose, a textile-to-textile fibre sourced from post-consumer garments. JLC also plans to increase the recycled content in Jirecell to 50 per cent by 2028 to further reduce its reliance on virgin wood fibre.

Additionally, JLC will begin commercial-scale production of Reboocel, a staple fibre blending 70 per cent FSC-certified bamboo with 30 per cent post-consumer recycled bamboo from discarded furniture. Reboocel aims for an annual capacity of 30,000 tonnes, further strengthening JLC’s foothold in low-impact, forest-friendly fibre innovation.

Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of environmental nonprofit Canopy, welcomed the development, calling it ‘a positive signal of growing momentum’ for Next Gen MMCF solutions. She emphasized that scaling circular fibre is crucial to easing pressure on global forests and building resilience in viscose supply chains.

A Canopy partner since 2019, JLC received a ‘Dark Green Shirt’ rating in the 2024 Hot Button Report, which assesses MMCF producers’ forest sourcing risk. The company is currently deemed low risk for sourcing from Ancient and Endangered Forests and has a total annual fibre production capacity of 210,000 tonnes.