#Recycling / Circular Economy

2024-10-24

Project update: Focus on supply chain readiness and environmental permits

Infinited Fiber Company is revolutionizing the fashion and textile industries by transforming cotton-rich textile waste, which would otherwise be destined for landfills or incineration, into a premium textile fiber known as Infinna™. This innovative solution offers a versatile, circular alternative to cotton. The company is currently in the process of scaling up operations and progressing towards the construction of its first commercial-scale Infinna™ factory.

High demand, regulatory support, and supply chain focus

Infinna™ has garnered strong support from leading brands, who have recognized it as a high-quality, sustainable alternative to traditional cotton. Demand remains robust, with much of the future factory’s production capacity already sold through long-term agreements with major brands such as Inditex, Patagonia, PANGAIA, H&M Group, BESTSELLER, PVH Europe, and Lindex. Notable product collaborations, including the latest JACK & JONES collection featuring Infinna™, demonstrate the fiber’s versatility.

As the regulatory landscape in the EU evolves, frameworks like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the Green Claims directive are reinforcing the demand for circular solutions. Infinna™ is positioned to play a pivotal role in reshaping the textile value chain to align with these regulations. To support this growth, Infinited Fiber is working closely with supply chain partners to ensure that the transition to large-scale production is seamless. This proactive collaboration ensures that when production increases, the entire supply chain—from fiber creation to finished garments—functions efficiently. Petri Alava, co-founder and CEO of Infinited Fiber Company, emphasized the company’s commitment to preparing the supply chain for increased volume without any delays or need for adjustments.

Kemi update: Environmental permits and partnerships

In Kemi, where the flagship factory is planned, the environmental permit process is progressing smoothly. Following a public feedback period, Infinited Fiber and its utility infrastructure partner, Nevel, responded to comments, and no significant concerns have been raised, indicating the high quality of the permit applications.

Although the conditional lease agreement with Stora Enso for the Veitsiluoto site has expired due to unmet preconditions, Infinited Fiber remains committed to Kemi. The environmental permit process is advancing, and the company expects to move forward once key milestones, such as permit approval and financing, are secured. Cooperation with Stora Enso and Nevel remains strong, with discussions underway to explore new collaborative opportunities. Nevel’s infrastructure services in the Veitsiluoto area continue, and the company sees potential for partnerships around sustainable energy production and circular solutions.

Financing and future growth

Earlier this year, Infinited Fiber successfully completed a €40 million development financing round, ensuring the company is well-positioned to scale up Infinna™ production and pursue broader strategic goals. This funding bolsters the company’s efforts to expand its footprint in the fashion industry and lead the way in sustainable textile innovation. Infinited Fiber is optimistic about the role its circular fiber will play in shaping the future of fashion, with a strong foundation of financial support and industry partnerships driving its vision forward.

Infinited Fiber Company appoints new chair and board members to drive next growth phase

Infinited Fiber Company has announced key changes to its Board of Directors following its Annual General Meeting on June 30, 2025. The new appointments are designed to support the company’s strategic focus on scaling its proprietary Infinna™ technology, expanding partnerships across the textile value chain, and preparing for industrial-level investment.

Infinited Fiber Company enters the next strategic phase under new leadership

Infinited Fiber Company announces that Petri Alava, co-founder and CEO since the company’s founding in 2016, will step down from his role on May 31, 2025. Chief Operating Officer Sahil Kaushik will serve as acting CEO from June 1, 2025. Petri Alava will continue supporting the company as Senior Advisor through the end of November. The Board of Directors has initiated the search for a permanent successor.

Managed workwear services are providing a blueprint for the circular textile economy

Managed workwear service providers are demonstrating how commercial success and circularity can go hand in hand by extending garment lifespans through repair, laundering, reuse and recycling, according to “Managed workwear services—a circular textile economy ahead of the game”, a new 14‑page report from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.

Eco-design as the foundation of circular textiles

Based on the results of an extensive European analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is currently developing three practice-based training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. This was preceded by a comprehensive company survey and a joint analysis conducted by the project partners under the leadership of IVGT. The results show that the greatest challenges lie not so much in a lack of technology as in skills gaps.

Usha Yarns secures growth equity investment from Fullerton Carbon Action Fund

Usha Yarns Limited (“Usha Yarns”), a producer of high-quality recycled yarns with advanced, well established production processes, announced a growth equity investment from the Fullerton Carbon Action Fund (“Fullerton”), a private equity strategy managed by Fullerton Fund Management that backs established mid-market companies across Emerging Asia to accelerate decarbonisation.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.