#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.”

Freudenberg Performance Materials presents Mehlerheytex and Filc at Techtextil 2026

Freudenberg Performance Materials will showcase textile innovations that increase efficiency, performance and sustainability in industry and mobility at Techtextil 2026. For the first time since the merger of Mehler Texnologies and Heytex, the MehlerHeytex brand will make its debut as a leading expert in coated technical textiles. Moreover, Freudenberg Performance Materials Filc (Filc), specialist for advanced needlepunch nonwovens and laminated materials, will present its groundbreaking solutions for automotive applications. Filc customers can benefit from the perfect combination of functionality, comfort and sustainability. The Freudenberg Performance Materials experts are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the trade fair at Stand A11 in Hall 11.0 from April 21 – 24, 2026.

Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 to showcase innovations – Call for abstracts

The call for abstracts is now open for the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2026, taking place on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany, and online. Europe’s leading platform for advanced recycling brings together hands-on solutions and cutting-edge research on recycling technologies for various waste streams like plastics, polymers, textiles or automotive, highlighting progress towards a circular renewable carbon economy.

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.

Fraunhofer IAP paves the way for "Green" carbon fibers

A new pilot plant in Guben is set to enable the production of bio-based carbon fibers. The plant is part of the Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz and will make an important contribution to the transformation of the Lausitz region—from a traditionally raw material- and basic industry-oriented region to a hub for innovative high-performance materials. The German federal government and the state of Brandenburg are providing the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP with 53.3 million euros for this purpose.

Mimaki takes DTF performance to the next level with TxF300-75Plus

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, announces the TxF300-75Plus, an upgraded model within its high-productivity direct-to-film (DTF) printing portfolio. Following on from the success of the original TxF300-75, this enhanced version reflects Mimaki’s commitment to continuously evolving its solutions to meet the changing demands of the market.

Dual record participation, sleep and sustainability in focus as Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles concludes for spring

Spring Edition 2026 concluded on 13 March at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), achieving record highs in both exhibitor and visitor numbers. Nearly 380 exhibitors from six countries and regions connected with more than 28,500 visitors (12% increase[1]) from 83 countries and regions. As well as higher international participation from countries such as Portugal and Uzbekistan, the fair gathered major regional industry clusters from China, showcasing excellent functional products – particularly within the expanding sleep economy – that blend cutting-edge production with evolving consumer demands for stylish, comfortable, and sustainable living solutions. This dynamic mix was vividly showcased across Hall 5.2, cementing the Spring Edition’s role as a noteworthy platform for industry advancement.

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.