
Sortworthy, a textile recycling and sustainability company, announced Monday its relocation from St. Petersburg, Florida to northwest Arkansas.
The move, which is set to take place early this year, includes a $3 million investment in a cutting-edge recycling facility that will create 40 new jobs over the next five years. At least 10 of the jobs should begin this year as the company looks to hire workers for the facility, a spokesperson from Sortworthy told Arkansas Business.
The company’s new location will be in Bentonville. The spokesperson from Sortworthy said the facility will be in an existing building that only needs minor tweaks, but that the company wants to keep the location private until it’s officially acquired.
$2 million of the investment will be moving the company’s existing industrial equipment to the northwest Arkansas location.
Founded in late 2022, Sortworthy recycles unwanted and used textiles, such as old uniforms, and turns them into fibers and new materials, aiming to contribute to a circular economy that minimizes landfill waste and conserves resources.
“Textile waste is one of the most significant contributors to pollution, but the good news is that nearly 95% of used clothing can be reused or recycled,” the company announced in a statement. “At Sortworthy, we see an opportunity to turn waste into resources, creating impactful solutions for a greener future.”
The spokesperson said that Arkansas’ “central location” was important for the company’s relocation. The company’s statement also said northwest Arkansas was a “natural choice,” offering a business ecosystem, commitment to sustainability and sense of community.
“The warmth and ingenuity of the people of Arkansas make this an ideal place for Sortworthy to grow and thrive,” the company said in its announcement. “We’re eager to be part of this vibrant region, creating jobs, driving innovation and collaborating with local communities.”
The spokesperson said Sortworthy wants to integrate with the region’s infrastructure and community. The company’s relocation aims to expand its efforts to reduce textile waste, empower local partnerships and contribute to economic development in northwest Arkansas.