#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.

Ministry of Industry Delegation visits NatureWorks’ second global manufacturing site at Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex

NatureWorks Asia Pacific Limited welcomed a high-level delegation led by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, to its manufacturing site at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC). The visit follows the successful inauguration of the site on April 29, 2026, and highlights the role of public-private collaboration in advancing Thailand’s sustainable industrial development and bioeconomy ambitions.

Sorona® and WGSN announce top bio-based material trends of 2027

Sorona®, the partially bio-based polymer from Covation Biomaterials (CovationBio™), and global trend forecasting authority WGSN today release the material trends shaping the textile industry through 2027 and beyond following a comprehensive examination of bio-based functional fiber applications and global data.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

Indorama Ventures advances circularity tthrough PETValue Philippines' “Zero Waste to Landfill Partnership” with Republic Cement

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, is advancing the circular economy through a new Zero Waste to Landfill initiative at its recycling site PETValue Philippines, further demonstrating how collaboration across industries can maximize resource efficiency and reduce waste.

Networking Day 2026: Industry stakeholders unite around textile recycling

In 2026, the Industry Research Group (IRG) Polymer Recycling once again brought together some of the key stakeholders in textile recycling for its annual Networking Day. This year, the event took place at EREMA’s premises in Ansfelden, Austria. It brought together key players from across the textile recycling value chain for a day of structured exchange and in-depth discussions.

The new RDJ 7/3 defines the design footprint of modern athletic shoes

Stylish, functional, and efficient to produce – spacer fabrics are the all-arounders among textile materials. These versatile fabrics are particularly in demand in the sports and casual footwear sector, as they combine comfort, breathability, and design freedom. At the same time, this industry is trend-driven, dynamic, and price-sensitive like few others. Innovations are therefore a decisive factor for success. With the RDJ 7/3, KARL MAYER offers a solution specifically tailored to these requirements. The particular strength of the new double raschel machine: its exceptional flexibility, thanks to its three jacquard bars.