#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2021-03-11

HeiQ acquires Belgian industrial biotech company, Chrisal

Material innovator HeiQ announce that it has acquired Chrisal N.V., a Belgian industrial biotechnology company, adding probiotic ingredients and technology platforms to its offerings.

HeiQ announced that it has acquired 51% of the share capital and voting rights of Chrisal N.V., Belgium, which will be renamed HeiQ Chrisal. Chrisal is a biotechnology company and a leader in innovative ingredients and consumer products that incorporate the benefits of probiotics and synbiotics. It has three technology platforms, all with the purpose to create healthy and sustainable microbial ecosystems. The application of its proprietary technology includes cosmetics, personal care, textiles, wound dressings, water purification, air treatment and cleaning products. Chrisal has its office, manufacturing site and bottling facility in Lommel, Belgium.

With this acquisition, HeiQ underlines its strategy of becoming a global leader in materials innovation, gaining access to the technology platform of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics for bio-based odor & stain control for carpet & footwear, anti-allergen effect in mattress and bedding, microbial and viral protection for surfaces, anti-inflammatory effect in wound dressings, probiotic skin enhancing cosmetics, algae and biofilm control in drinking water as well as advanced synbiotic surface protection. With this strategic acquisition HeiQ enters the broader market of surface management and accesses a bio-based green complementary technology platform to its immensely successful antimicrobials.

HeiQ co-founder and CEO Carlo Centonze said: “The acquisition of a majority stake in Chrisal brings multiple benefits to HeiQ and its shareholders. The acquisition will progress our direct-to-consumer offer and enlarges our product offering to hygiene-sensitive environments, such as the healthcare sector. HeiQ is increasingly becoming more than a textile technology company; we are innovating materials more broadly. This acquisition of a leading probiotics business is aimed at making HeiQ a leader in probiotic innovation. Chrisal’s culture of entrepreneurship, people empowerment, sustainability, innovation and lean processes are a perfect match with HeiQ.”

Corrie Gielen, President of Chrisal commented: “For 30 years Chrisal has built on new technologies to improve our world in a sustainable way. With our latest patented Synbio® technology we have found the best solution to strengthen products, people and our environment. We are confident that the new partnership with HeiQ will bring us the additional competences and network needed to globalize this beautiful and groundbreaking technology. Together we combine the best of nature with the latest in science to make the difference for a better world.”

Testing and research laboratory ensures safe and more sustainable products worldwide

For 80 years, Hohenstein has stood for independent testing, scientific expertise and practical solutions. Today, the testing and research service provider supports manufacturers and brands worldwide in making textiles, hardlines and medical devices safe, more sustainable and market-ready – thereby building trust among consumers. With an international presence and interdisciplinary expertise, Hohenstein supports its customers from production through to market launch, helping them navigate an environment of growing regulatory and societal demands.

Perfect quality through collaboration: Machinery from Trützschler, Toyota and Murata at Zirve Tekstil

In today’s textile industry, excellence is not achieved by chance – it’s the result of deliberate decisions, technical expertise, and the courage to go beyond conventional paths. The Turkish company Zirve Tekstil has done just that: by combining the best technologies from Trützschler, Toyota and Murata, they’ve created a production setup that delivers outstanding yarn quality – recognized worldwide.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

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.

Award-winning research for sustainable carbon fibre cycles

Sustainable recycling of carbon fibres is possible through targeted electrochemical surface modification, which makes the sizing of carbon fibres resistant to solvolysis. ITA PhD student Sabina Dann was awarded the MSW Award from RWTH Aachen University for her master's thesis on this development. The award ceremony took place on 12 November 2025 in Aachen.

Eastman introduces Naia™ Lyte at Première Vision Paris, marking a major breakthrough in fiber tenacity for cellulose acetate filament yarn performance

Eastman unveils Naia™ Lyte, a new cellulose acetate filament yarn that represents an important milestone in performance for lightweight and premium fabrics, at Première Vision Paris. Presented for the first time to the international fashion and textile community, Naia™ Lyte expands the capabilities of acetate yarn by introducing enhanced tenacity, unlocking new creative and technical possibilities for designers, mills and brands.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.