#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.

The textile industry in transition

Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. As the German industry partner, the Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles (IVGT) is bringing the industry’s perspective to the project.

"We will become a recycling powerhouse"

The textile industry is now in its fourth consecutive year of crisis, while automation, artificial intelligence and recycling are reshaping the rules of the game. In this interview, Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli discusses the first signs of a market recovery, reflects on his first three years at the helm of the company, explains the integration of Barmag, outlines Rieter’s vision of the fully automated spinning mill and highlights the strategic importance of recycling. In doing so, he explains why the new Rieter Group aims to play a leading role in transforming the textile value chain into a circular economy.

Countdown to Textiles Recycling Expo 2026: Brussels prepares for Europe’s textile recycling gathering

With only two weeks remaining until the start of the second edition of the Textiles Recycling Expo 2026, preparations are entering the final phase. The exhibition and conference, dedicated exclusively to textile recycling and circularity, will take place on 24–25 June 2026 at Brussels Expo and is expected to attract stakeholders from across the textile recycling value chain.

Indorama Ventures enables brands to scale circular textiles through proven, traceable supply chains

Indorama Ventures, a global leader in recycled polyester staple fibers and filament yarns, will exhibit at Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels on June 24–25. At the event, the company will show how brands and textile manufacturers can build traceable, circular textile supply chains by working with proven partners who deliver recycled materials on an industrial scale.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.