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Posted: July 31, 2025
ReCircled’s partnership with Merrick will engineer advanced HTL systems to process waste streams long considered unrecyclable. From mixed textiles to composite packaging, the collaboration represents a leap forward in complex waste recycling and reinforces ReCircled’s leadership in sustainable material recovery.
ReCircled LLC has partnered with Merrick & Company to engineer its first hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) processing units, a move set to transform how the company handles complex waste streams that have historically been difficult to recycle. Merrick, a global leader in HTL technology integration, will lead the engineering effort, helping ReCircled address materials such as mixed textiles, EVA from sneaker soles, post-consumer leather, multi-layer composite packaging, and other challenging waste. This collaboration marks a major step in advancing solutions for complex waste recycling and closing long-standing gaps in the circular economy.
The HTL process applies heat and pressure to break down mixed materials into valuable outputs, making it ideal for the waste ReCircled collects through branded take-back programs and retail partnerships. Particle size reduction is a key factor for optimizing HTL efficiency, and ReCircled is working with VECOPLAN and several innovative startups to refine this stage. Alongside this partnership, ReCircled has strengthened its in-house expertise with the appointment of Graham Towerton as Director of Engineering, whose 35 years in refining, petrochemicals, mining, and biofuels will help drive the company’s expansion into advanced material recovery.
For CEO Scott Kuhlman, this deal represents the kind of collaboration needed to “complete the circle” for materials once deemed non-recyclable. Merrick will begin Front End Loading work in July, while ReCircled runs lab and pilot testing of various waste feedstocks over the next three months. The partnership also builds on ReCircled’s growing network of innovative alliances, from circular denim initiatives with Kaltex USA to market expansion in Asia through the PATCHWORKS platform with Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Nakano Co. Ltd. By joining forces with Merrick, ReCircled is positioning itself at the forefront of complex waste recycling technology and innovation.
