#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.

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.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

OEKO-TEX® chooses TextileGenesis to advance digital traceability for organic cotton

OEKO-TEX® today announced a full collaboration with TextileGenesis, a Lectra company, to digitally trace and authenticate organic cotton, strengthening fraud prevention across the supply chain. This announcement follows a successful pilot and brings together OEKO-TEX®’s certification expertise and closed testing system with TextileGenesis’ digital traceability platform to deliver a secure, end-to-end solution for managing certified organic cotton flows.

ICAC to support European Commission on pending PEF legislation

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is proud to announce that it has been included as a member of the European Commission’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB) on the Product Environmental Footprint methodology. The Commission developed the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) to assess and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organizations.

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.