#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2021-05-20

HeiQ strengthens its antimicrobial technology platform with the acquisition of German materials innovator RAS AG

HeiQ has strengthened its antimicrobial ingredients technology platform and expanded its product line to include coating technologies through the acquisition of RAS AG, Regensburg, Germany.

RAS AG is a materials innovation company that drives the design of resource-efficient and sustainable products for a safe and modern living environment. The company develops and produces highly functionalized materials for this purpose and is a service provider in shaping markets with scientific creativity and know-how. This includes the manufacture of antimicrobial, hygiene-enhancing additives and durable antimicrobial coating systems which are sold worldwide under the trademark agpure®, and transparent electrically conductive and infrared reflective coatings sold under the ECOS® trademark. The acquisition is in line with HeiQ’s strategic goal to gain market share in hygiene solutions by providing antimicrobial surface hygiene technologies to the healthcare sector.

HeiQ co-founder and CEO Carlo Centonze, said: “The acquisition of RAS AG adds to our technology portfolio and innovation capabilities, allowing us to push deeper into markets including durable surface protection, antimicrobials, conductive transparent materials, infrared reflective coatings, controlled release technologies and R&D innovation services. Gaining market share in hygiene solutions by providing antimicrobial surface hygiene technologies to the healthcare sector is one of HeiQ’s key strategic goals.

RAS AG’s resource-efficient and sustainable products, together with its technology platforms and HeiQ’s expertise and commercial reach represent an exciting combination to achieve this goal. Like HeiQ, RAS AG is a very entrepreneurial, science-driven business and is therefore an excellent cultural fit for HeiQ. Located practically on campus of one of Germany’s leading materials and life science universities, RAS AG is ideally positioned to bring additional innovation capabilities to HeiQ’s global R&D network. We look forward to working with Dr. Zech, Dr. Maier, Dr. Nusko, Mr. Schneider and the RAS team.”

Dr. Zech, CEO and Mr. Schneider, CSO of RAS AG, commented: “As an early pioneer in silver-based technologies for antimicrobial and transparent conductive coating applications, there are strong synergies with HeiQ. HeiQ provides the expertise, infrastructure and global market access to meet the growing demand of our outstanding technologies. In combination with the RAS innovation center, we enrich HeiQ’s global R&D team with new impulses and our longstanding expertise and innovation networks. We are proud to be part of the HeiQ Group, the entire RAS team looks forward to a fruitful cooperation.”

HEIQ expands in ASIA with BIG SUNSHINE as key partner

HeiQ, a global leader in materials and textile innovation, is strengthening its presence in Asia by onboarding BIG SUNSHINE CO., LTD. as a key full-service partner in the region. This collaboration aims to further improve HeiQ’s overall service capabilities in Taiwan and across the wider Asian region, furthering its vision of global expansion and footprint in Asia.

HeiQ announces return to private company structure

HeiQ, a leading innovator in materials technology, announced its decision to return to private company structure from the London Stock Exchange as part of a strategic move to focus resources, streamline operations, and accelerate growth, effective November 19, 2024 (LSE:HEIQ). HeiQ shares will continue trading on the JP Jenkins securities or a similar matching platform from November 20, 2024.

HeiQ and GQ Apparel bring biobased cooling to denim in Thailand

HeiQ, a global leader in textile and materials innovation, proudly announces a strategic cooperation with GQ Apparel, a premier Thailand-based tech apparel brand. GQ Apparel enhances it denim offering with HeiQ’s advanced cooling solution, marking a significant milestone in the Southeast Asian market.

HeiQ expands application of HeiQ Allergen tech to upholstery fabric through collaboration with CULP

HeiQ partners with Culp to apply HeiQ Allergen Tech, a 100% biobased* solution that reduces allergens on textiles, onto interior upholstery fabric. HeiQ announces the extended application of HeiQ Allergen Tech to bring the benefits of this biobased textile technology to the interior upholstered furniture market, marking a unique launch into this segment.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

Techtextil India 2025 commences: Ushering in a new era for functional textiles

Techtextil India 2025, a premier trade fair for technical textiles, non-wovens and composites, organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India, has opened today at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, marking its 10th edition. Running from 19 – 21 November 2025, this landmark edition connects 215 exhibitors, including 100 first-time exhibitors to the textile value chain, featuring innovations across 12 application-based textile segments.

Solution for lower energy consumption proves itself in practice

Getzner Textil is one of KARL MAYER’s first customers to use PROSIZE with CASCADE. The innovative weaving specialist has tested the steam and condensation system by KARL MAYER and determined the energy savings it achieves. Karl-Heinz Vaaßen, Head of Textile Drying at KARL MAYER, assisted Getzner Textil’s production specialists both with the tests and with all questions relating to CASCADE. In a conversation with Werner Egger, Head of Weaving, and Thomas Rossi, Head of Warp Preparation at Getzner Textil, he learnt more about the system’s benefits for his customer.