#Recycling / Circular Economy

2020-12-17

Infinited Fiber Company selected in Global Cleantech 100 List of Companies committed to delivering the future

Out of thousands of innovators from across the globe, Infinited Fiber Company, whose technology turns cellulose-based raw materials, like cotton-rich textile waste, into new, high-quality textile fibers that offer a more sustainable, circular alternative to virgin cotton, was named a 2021 Global Cleantech 100 Company by Cleantech Group. Delivering solutions that will take us from climate chaos to transformation, the 100 companies on the list represent the private, independent, and for-profit companies best positioned to contribute to a more digitized, de-carbonized and resource-efficient future.

This is the 12th edition of the widely respected annual guide. This year’s list includes innovators from 15 countries, with just over half located in the U.S. and the rest hailing from Asia, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. The sectors covered include: Agriculture & Food, Enabling Technologies, Energy & Power, Materials & Chemicals, Transportation & Logistics and Resources & Environment.

“We are delighted and honored to see Infinited Fiber Company feature on the 2021 Global Cleantech 100 List of companies leading sustainable innovation. Textile waste is a massive global problem. At the same time, the world is hungry for high-quality, biodegradable, circular textile fibers that offer a more sustainable alternative to virgin resources like cotton. Our technology offers a solution for both these challenges, and it is heart-warming to see our innovation recognized for its potential to transform the textile industry for the better,” said Infinited Fiber Company Cofounder and CEO Petri Alava.

The list combines Cleantech Group’s research data with qualitative judgements from nominations and insight from a global, 91-member Expert Panel of leading investors and executives from corporations and industrials active in technology and innovation scouting. From pioneers and veterans to new entrants, the Expert Panel broadly represents the global cleantech community and results in a list with a powerful base of respect and support from many important players within the cleantech innovation ecosystem.

The Global Cleantech 100 program continues to be sponsored by Chubb, the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company.

“We are delighted to welcome 50 companies for their first time on this year’s new Global Cleantech 100. This replacement rate speaks to the healthy maturing of this innovation ecosystem and to some specific impacts of Covid-19,” said Richard Youngman, CEO, Cleantech Group. “On the one hand, the 2021 list reflects the long-running mega-trends like decarbonization, digitization, electrification, and the ever-increasing volumes of deployed renewable energy. On the other, Covid-19’s impact is evident – for example, in the uptick in automation and robotics-enabled solutions, in logistics and supply chain solutions, and solutions in the food chain to prevent, reduce and repurpose food waste. Resilience is a new critical factor at play.”

For detailed information on Infinited Fiber Company’s outlook as an innovator, visit Cleantech Group’s market intelligence platform i3 and search for Infinited Fiber Company.

Download the report and meet the companies solving our biggest challenges

To meet many of the innovators and investors on the 2021 Global Cleantech 100 list, join the virtual events, Cleantech Forum Europe, 12-14 January, and Cleantech Forum San Francisco, 19-21 January.

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.

Infinited Fiber and Norbite collaborate in EU-funded TEX-INSECT project

Infinited Fiber Company is pleased to announce its collaboration on the EU funded TEX-INSECT project, which aims to develop and optimize Norbite’s technology that converts synthetics originating from textile waste into sustainable bioproducts. Infinited Fiber’s process takes in cotton-rich textile waste otherwise destinated into landfills or incinerators.

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.

How innovations drive BASF’s success

“Innovation has always been part of BASF’s DNA. Especially in these volatile times, it is crucial to leverage our innovative strength to develop competitive solutions that differentiate us as a company in our markets and give us a competitive edge,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF and Chief Technology Officer, at the company’s Research Press Briefing held today. To achieve this, BASF implemented its “Winning Ways” strategy about a year ago with the clear goal of becoming the preferred chemical company to enable its customers’ green transformation.

Textiles Recycling Expo announces collaboration with Future Fabrics Expo for 2026

The Textiles Recycling Expo has entered a major new collaboration with the Future Fabrics Expo which means that both events will run alongside each other at the Brussels Expo, Belgium on 24–25 June 2026. This co-location marks a significant step forward for the textile and fashion industries, bringing together two influential and complementary events under one roof.

Happy Holidays!

Dear reader, the year 2025 is drawing to a close. We are entering what we hope will be a peaceful holiday season, spending time with our families and taking a moment to pause and reflect. We hope we have been able to support you once again this year with relevant news and articles, and we look forward to surprising you with many innovations in the coming year. Enjoy the festive season, stay healthy, and we wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

As the global market leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is a key supplier of interior and exterior components for the highly anticipated Polestar 5 model. The successful collaboration between Autoneum and Polestar marks a significant milestone in sustainable automotive engineering: the electric grand tourer sports car features several innovations in lightweight, fully recyclable polyester-based components that ensure a superior driving experience. Polestar 5 was revealed at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is available in 24 markets.