• store locations
  • find a job
  • give online<
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan
  • Shop
    • Retail Stores
    • Shop Online
    • Outlet Center
  • Donate / Give
    • Donating Items
    • Donation Calculator
    • Financial Gifts
    • Fact vs Fiction
  • Programs & Services
    • Programs & Services
  • B2B Services
    • Janitorial Services
    • Recycling + Reuse Services
    • GoodTemps Staffing
    • Employer Services
    • Employing Ex-Offenders
  • Recycle / Reuse
    • Recycle / Reuse
    • Electronics Recycling
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • What We Do
    • Board of Directors
    • Success Stories
    • Employee Spotlight
    • Newsroom
    • Achievers of the Year
    • Find a Job
    • Job Openings
    • Contact Us
Newsroom

< Back

Oct 21, 2024

Harvest Nano and Goodwill Industries of West Michigan Unveil Revolutionary Waste-to-Nanocellulose Partnership

PRESS RELEASE

Harvest NanoHarvest Nano, a leader in sustainable technology, and Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM) have joined forces to create and operate Michigan’s first cotton waste textile circularity processing and recycling plant, converting non-saleable textile waste into valuable materials like micro and nanocellulose. This innovative collaboration supports a circular economy, offering significant environmental and economic benefits while transforming the future of sustainable manufacturing.

Using patented technology developed by Dr. Refael Aharon, Harvest Nano converts textile waste into nanocellulose—a lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly material. Nanocellulose, four times stronger than stainless steel, has the potential to revolutionize industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, plastic, 3D print and packaging.

Nanocellulose: A Material for the Future

The partnership uses a system to sort, process, and recycle textile waste into variety of cellulosic raw materials. The materials produced, including low and high value cellulosic products, fine cellulose and micro cellulose, have versatile applications ranging from 3D printing to plastic replacement.

“We are excited to partner with Harvest Nano to bring innovative nanocellulose production to West Michigan. This collaboration highlights our commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking solutions,” said Jeanette Hoyer, President and CEO of GIWM.

Goodwill’s Commitment to Sustainability

By extending their recycling efforts to non-saleable textiles, Goodwill is furthering its environmental mission while creating jobs and supporting local economies.

“Our partnership with Harvest Nano represents an incredible opportunity to advance both environmental sustainability and economic development in our region,” said Nick Carlson, Business Development Director at GIWM. “By working together on the production of nanocellulose, we’re creating innovative solutions that benefit the planet while supporting Goodwill's mission of empowering individuals through meaningful work.”

A Circular Economy in Action

This partnership offers global potential, reducing waste, lowering carbon footprints, and opening new revenue streams. Harvest Nano’s technology will position West Michigan as a leader in sustainable innovation.

Conclusion

By turning waste into a resource, Harvest Nano and Goodwill Industries of West Michigan are leading the shift towards a sustainable, circular economy.

< Previous

Share this post

Next >

Annual Report

GW-AR-cover

VIEW PDF


Achievers of the Year

AOY-News 2

Each year we celebrate community members who overcame adversity through the power of work, and the employers who supported them.

Learn More

Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Inc.

271 East Apple Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 722-7871

Connect with Us!

Newsletter

Signup to subscribe to our newsletter.

Sign Up

  • Contact Us
  • Find A Job
  • Sitemap
  • Donor Privacy Policy
  • Title VI Policy
  • Transparency in Healthcare Coverage

© Copyright 2025 Goodwill Industries of West Michigan. All Rights Reserved.

Web Design by Hettenbach Graphic Design
Web Development by Shore FX, LLC