#Man-Made Fibers

2026-01-29

Beaulieu International Group announces acquisition of fibre company

Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) today announces it has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire all shares of IFG Asota GMBH, an Austria-based fibre company and a key player in the global synthetic staple fibres market. This strategic acquisition strengthens Beaulieu’s Fibres Division (BFI) and marks an important step in its ambition to become the world’s most trusted partner for sustainable nonwoven solutions.

IFG Asota GMBH brings deep expertise in polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE) and biopolymer fibres such as PLA, serving a wide range of high-value markets including flooring, automotive, filtration, and technical applications. The company is particularly known for its strong innovation capabilities, supported by a research center featuring a unique pilot line that accelerates development project timelines by offering the opportunity to prototype new fibres. The extensive expertise in technical applications, biobased & recycled polymers accelerates Beaulieu’s roadmap to product leadership.

A strategic fit for innovation and sustainability

For Beaulieu, the acquisition of IFG Asota GMBH represents a natural and strategic fit within Beaulieu Fibres International (BFI). It aligns fully with Beaulieu’s ambition to be “the most complete staple fibre expert,” empowering customers to exceed limits - whether in performance, sustainability, or manufacturing efficiency - across both disposable and durable nonwoven technical textiles.

“Our ambition is clear,” says Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck, CEO “We are building a flexible and agile global platform that reinforces our leadership, strengthens our presence in existing markets, and opens the door to new, untapped territories. The acquisition of Asota accelerates this journey.”

Strengthening leadership in Europe and beyond

As outlined in Beaulieu’s business strategy, the Group continues to actively explore opportunities to strengthen its leading position, while expanding its global reach. By combining Beaulieu’s industrial footprint and operational excellence with Asota’s materials expertise and R&D capabilities, the Group aims to reinforce its role as a reliable, high quality partner for customers around the world.

In parallel with the acquisition process, IFG Exelto will enter into a toll manufacturing agreement with Beaulieu Fibres International (BFI) upon closing. Under this agreement, Exelto will manufacture fibres on behalf of BFI, ensuring operational flexibility. This collaboration is designed to secure manufacturing capacity and safeguards customer service.

Looking ahead

Subject to completion of the transaction, Beaulieu and IFG Asota GMBH will together continue to invest in innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused solutions, supporting the evolving needs of the nonwoven and technical textile markets. This acquisition marks an important milestone in Beaulieu’s long-term growth strategy and commitment to shaping the future of Beaulieu Fibres International (BFI).

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed mid February 2026. No financial details will be disclosed.

Alujain Corporation and Beaulieu International Group announce strategic Joint Venture to locally produce synthetic fibres and non-wovens in Saudi Arabia

Alujain Corporation and Beaulieu International Group are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for an envisaged strategic joint venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This represents a significant milestone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s industrial development agenda. The partnership, subject to approval by authorities, brings together Alujain Corporation’s established regional manufacturing platform with state-of-the-art polymers and Beaulieu’s globally recognized expertise in synthetic fibres and non-wovens.

B.I.G. Yarns achieves EcoVadis Platinum Rating, ranking among top 1% of companies worldwide

B.I.G. Yarns, the carpet yarn brand of B.I.G. and a leading manufacturer of polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) yarns for contract, automotive, and high-end residential applications, has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, placing the company among the top 1% of more than 130.000 companies assessed globally.

B.I.G. Yarns strengthens European market position with major investment in state-of-the-art yarn production

B.I.G. Yarns, a leading designer and manufacturer of polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PET) carpet yarns for commercial, automotive, residential, and technical applications, is proud to announce a significant investment of €25 million in its French yarn production site. This investment reinforces its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and European manufacturing. It includes the installation of cutting-edge BCF lines, enhancing B.I.G. Yarns’ leadership in one-step 3-ply yarns and further solidifying its position as a key player in the global market.

Greater efficiency for tomorrow’s textile industry

From September 24 to 27, 2026, Barmag, together with BB Engineering (BBE), will present innovative solutions for the efficient and sustainable production of synthetic yarns at the Egy Stitch & Tex Expo in Cairo, Egypt. Under the motto “A New Era. Powered by Innovation.,” experts from Barmag and BBE will present technologies spanning the entire textile value chain — from melt to yarn — at the ATAG Ltd. booth (Hall 1, Booth C1).

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Archroma wins ICIS Innovation Award for sulfur dye breakthrough

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has won a coveted 2026 ICIS Innovation Award for Best Product Innovation from a Large Company for FiberColors®. These high-performance sulfur dyes are synthesized from pre-consumer wool waste, reducing industry reliance on petroleum-based inputs while contributing to the circular economy by upcycling unwanted wool that farmers would otherwise pay to dispose of.

YDC 2026 names winners in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2026 (YDC) has named its winners at the conclusion of CENTRESTAGE in Hong Kong. Ten emerging local designers presented collections inspired by personal experiences and emotions, translating their ideas through distinctive tailoring, materials and craftsmanship.

Heberlein reinforces its commitment to the Chinese market

Heberlein, globally recognised as a leading provider of air interlacing and air texturing jets for synthetic filament yarns, is consolidating its success in the Chinese market with its APh- and APe-series for DTY applications. Particularly in the field of Air Covering, Heberlein technologies combine excellent quality with significant savings in compressed-air consumption. A new service hub in Shengze City underlines the company’s long-term commitment in the Chinese market.