#Sustainability

2025-01-09

NFW announces successful funding round under new CEO

NFW, a global leader in plastic-free biomaterials, today announced a series of strategic initiatives designed to ensure long-term sustainability and drive renewed growth. These initiatives include the appointment of co-founder Steve Zika as Chief Executive Officer and the successful closing of a funding round backed by existing shareholders.

Steve Zika to lead the next evolution of plastic-free biomaterials innovation

The leadership transition occurred in October, with NFW founder Luke Haverhals stepping down and co-founder Steve Zika assuming the role of CEO. Zika has been instrumental in NFW’s growth since its founding in 2016, serving as a key architect of the company’s pioneering work in sustainable biomaterials. Over the years, he has led critical areas including new product development, business strategy, and manufacturing operations, positioning NFW as a trailblazer in biomaterials innovation.

NFW also announced the successful closing of a funding round that saw broad participation from its existing investor base, demonstrating strong confidence in the company’s mission and market potential. This funding will help stabilize operations and lay the groundwork for future innovation and growth, even amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment.

A renewed business focus: Intermediates chemistry driving global impact

NFW will center its business on its proprietary intermediates technology—novel chemistries that power all of its materials, including the flagship MIRUM® product. MIRUM® is a revolutionary, plastic-free alternative to both conventional and synthetic leather, meeting the rigorous performance standards of even the automotive industry. Today, MIRUM® features in more than 80 commercial products from over 50 global brands.

NFW plans to deepen its relationships with strategic brand partners while continuing to drive innovation in the biomaterials space.

“NFW is uniquely positioned as the only company offering a capex-light scaling model capable of replacing petroleum-derived plasticizers and additives with sustainable materials,” said Zika. “Our solutions are not only good for the planet but also meet the high-performance demands of industries like fashion, footwear, and automotive.”

Recognition for global leadership

This September, NFW was named a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Earthshot Prize. Selected from a pool of nearly 2,500 nominees across 139 countries, this recognition highlights NFW’s leadership in sustainable innovation. The Earthshot Prize connects innovators with global leaders to catalyze investment, expand markets, and unlock transformative opportunities.

About CEO Steve Zika

Steve Zika holds a B.S. and M.S. in Material Science and Engineering from Stanford University. He spent 16 years at Advanced Micro Devices, serving as Director of Product Management and Chief of Staff to the President. A Peoria native, Zika returned home with his family after stints in Silicon Valley and Austin, Texas, and has since become a champion of Illinois’ startup ecosystem and co-founder of a mission-driven investment firm.

Natural Fiber Welding Inc. debuts PLIANT™ PCS, a 100-percent biobased outsole compound for the footwear industry

Natural Fiber Welding Inc. (NFW), a pioneer in high-performance, plant-based materials, today announced the commercial availability of PLIANT™ PCS, a 100-percent biobased, non-toxic, and plastic-free natural rubber outsole compound engineered for the footwear industry. NFW is introducing its next-generation natural rubber compound at the International Footwear Conference (FXPO) on April 28–29, in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Provest Equity Partners and CTW Venture Partners announce strategic joint investment in Natural Fiber Welding Inc.

Natural Fiber Welding Inc. (“NFW”), a pioneer in high-performance, plant-based materials, today announced a strategic investment from Provest Equity Partners, made jointly with CTW Venture Partners (“CTW”). The investment supports NFW’s next phase as the company accelerates commercialization and global scale of its breakthrough climate-tech, low-carbon materials platform.

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.

Febratex 2026 to be the largest edition of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas with 10 exhibition halls

Febratex 2026 will be the largest edition in the history of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas. Dedicated to the textile and apparel manufacturing industries, the event will take place from August 18–21, 2026, in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil, with a strong focus on technology, sustainability, and business generation.

Cotton Brazil Dialogues field trip brings international stakeholders closer to Brazil’s cotton production chain

How do you build trust across the global textile value chain? By opening the farm gates. This is the principle behind the Cotton Brazil Dialogues. At the end of July, the programme welcomed its first group of international participants for a five-day immersion into Brazilian cotton production, combining field visits with technical workshops to showcase the quality, sustainability, innovation and traceability behind one of the world’s leading cotton origins.