#USA #Peoria #Provest Equity #Natural Fiber Welding #CTW Venture

Strategic Investment in Sustainable Materials

Provest Equity Partners and CTW Venture Partners have announced a joint strategic investment in Natural Fiber Welding Inc. (NFW), a pioneering company known for its focus on high-performance plant-based materials. This investment marks a significant step in supporting NFW's next phase of growth, which emphasizes the commercialization and global distribution of groundbreaking materials aimed at reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact.

A Timely Partnership

This partnership arrives at a crucial moment for NFW as it intensifies the production of innovative products made possible through proprietary green chemistry and material science. Among these innovations are PLIANT™, a naturally hardened performance rubber outsole, and MIRUM®, the world's first purely natural and plastic-free leather alternative. Together, PLIANT™ and MIRUM® represent a scalable platform for circular materials, with the potential to replace petroleum-based plastics and synthetic materials across various industries without compromising on performance, durability, or aesthetics.

The enhanced version of PLIANT™ is now available for orders, with broader market introduction currently underway. Steve Zika, CEO of NFW, highlights the importance of this partnership, stating, "This partnership represents a key turning point for NFW as we continue our mission to bring sustainable and high-performing materials to the market. The operator-focused approach of Provest aligns perfectly with our needs as the demand from global brand partners continues to grow. Together with CTW, we strengthen the foundation necessary to responsibly scale and advance the next generation of plant-based materials."

Support from Industry Leaders

NFW has garnered support from leading global brands and strategic investors, including BMW iVentures, Ralph Lauren Corporation, Allbirds, and Asahi Kasei. This highlights the company’s potential to redefine the high-performance materials landscape. The investment from Provest and CTW builds on this momentum, focusing on operational execution, increasing production capacity, product innovation, and long-term value creation.

"NFW represents the type of platform we want to support, where groundbreaking science meets real industrial relevance," stated Suhas Uppalapati, chairman of NFW and managing partner at Provest Equity Partners. "Our job is to help turn innovations into scalable, profitable growth as the company enters its next phase."

Expanding Market Relationships

Following this investment, NFW plans to further develop its relationships across sectors such as footwear, fashion, automotive, and industry while advancing its mission to replace fossil fuel-based materials with regenerative, climate-friendly natural alternatives. The support from both Provest and CTW is expected to elevate NFW's capacity to meet the growing sustainability demands of the marketplace.

About Natural Fiber Welding: Based in Peoria, Illinois, Natural Fiber Welding Inc. specializes in creating high-performance, plastic-free materials made entirely from renewable plant-based resources. The company's innovative approach not only addresses the pressing environmental concerns related to traditional materials but also presents new opportunities for sustainable product development across various industries.

Through their joint investment, Provest Equity Partners and CTW Venture Partners are not just backing a company, but also committing to the future of sustainable materials that can truly make a difference in combating environmental issues. NFW's advancements in material science could pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in manufacturing and beyond.