An Italian-based firm is investing around $10 million (£7.4m) in its first carpet recycling facility in the US.

Aquafil’s plant in Phoenix is said to further enhance its Econyl Regeneration System – which recovers nylon from old carpets, swim suits and fishing nets for use in new products.

The Aquafil Carpet Recycling (ACR) #1 will have the capacity to divert around 35 million pounds of carpet from landfill every year.

The company claims its Econyl system is the only technology that can regenerate Nylon, which is commonly used in carpets, sportswear and other textiles.

CEO Giulio Bonazzi said: “We’re not comfortable with the status quo – in this case that is less than 5% of carpet waste is recycled. We know Nylon 6 waste can be powerful the proper technology.”