#Textile chemistry

2021-07-01

Pulcra Chemicals achieves first acquisition with Devan

Pulcra Chemicals, with headquarters in Geretsried (Germany) has just announced its first acquisition in its history by acquiring fellow-industry player Devan. Devan, with origins since 1977 and Belgian headquarters, is since 2013 owned by Pentahold (a Belgian private equity fund). Devan is known from its antimicrobial range BI-OME, its large sustainable track record with a.o. probiotics solutions, a wide range of recently introduced bio-based textile finishes and a long standing in Thermoregulation and Flame Retardants. Devan has offices in the UK, Portugal, the US and a team in Shanghai.

Pulcra Chemicals, the German specialty chemicals company, has just announced the acquisition of Devan, the Belgian headquartered specialty chemicals company established in 1977.

“We are thrilled to make this announcement with our mutual trust to grow our business as a Solution Specialist for our customers across broad range of textile markets. The acquisition of Devan will support our vision of being the leading international benchmark for sustainable chemistry.” said Mr. Ümit Yaldiz, Chief Executive Officer of Pulcra Chemicals Group. “Both organizations have deep histories of creativity, innovation excellence and a shared commitment to care for our communities. With our combined platform, Pulcra will become a stronger partner for our customers, uniquely positioning us to address our customers’ evolving needs. That is why we are also very happy that the owner of Devan has placed its trust in us and Pulcra was the chosen partner for this acquisition.“

“For us, Pulcra Chemicals is the natural next step in the development of Devan”, comments Sven Ghyselinck, CEO of Devan. “After a long and successful ownership by Pentahold, we are pleased to integrate into a larger Textile chemistry player like Pulcra Chemicals. This new home will allow the innovative Devan finishes to find a faster way into the global textile market and will help the textile industry to benefit from more sustainable products”.

The acquisition price will not be disclosed.

Pulcra Chemicals together with Inditex develop Sustineri Coloring

Pulcra Chemicals and Inditex develop Sustineri Coloring, a combined pretreatment and dyeing process for cotton and polyester/cotton resulting in water, time and energy savings. This process is the result of a joint research between Pulcra Chemicals and Inditex with the goal to mitigate the impact of standard dyeing processes and to reduce the use of natural resources.

TEXTILCOLOR AG launches strategic collaboration with Alpex, Majocchi, and Trans-Textil in the field of Pyroshell™ flame protection

TEXTILCOLOR AG, a leading provider of innovative solutions in textile chemistry, today announces the start of a strategic collaboration with Alpex Protection, Majocchi, and Trans-Textil. Starting November 1, 2025, the partners will jointly advance the flame-retardant finishing of textiles using the patented Pyroshell™ technology at production sites in Germany, France, and Italy.

Huntsman and Steitz Secura deliver breakthrough in sustainable safety footwear

Huntsman, in collaboration with Steitz Secura, has developed a breakthrough polyurethane (PU) solution that can help improve the circularity of safety footwear. Together, the two companies have created a DALTOPED® polyurethane midsole system that can incorporate recycled content without compromising performance – setting a new benchmark in protective footwear production.

Zschimmer & Schwarz at ITMA Asia in Singapore

At ITMA Asia in October 2025, Zschimmer & Schwarz will present 100 % bio-based spin finishes from the LERTISAN range designed for hygiene nonwovens, and HYDROSET ECO-DRY, a bio-based wicking agent that delivers excellent moisture management for synthetic fabrics. For dye fixation on polyamide, the company has developed a sustainable, plant-based product completely free from phenol, bisphenol, and formaldehyde. The patented aftertreatment agent ZETESAL ECO-FIX PA ensures durable and reliable fixation, particularly on dark shades.

Toray develops recycling technology that retains carbon fiber strength and surface quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

Panty liners prevent bacterial vaginosis

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause urogenital infections, abscesses on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or premature births. This significantly increases the risk of infertility in women and of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV.

PERFORMANCE DAYS sets benchmarks with record attendance & strong industry presence

With around 4,500 professional visitors and 515 exhibitors, PERFORMANCE DAYS closed its doors on October 30, 2025, after two highly successful days in Munich. Expanded show areas, an international audience, a top-class Expert Talks program, and an inspiring DAY 0 Conference with an innovative concept underlined one thing clearly: PERFORMANCE DAYS has become the leading business platform for the functional textile industry.