Provest Equity Partners and CTW Venture Partners Invest in NFW for Sustainable Material Innovation

In a groundbreaking move for sustainable manufacturing, Provest Equity Partners and CTW Venture Partners have announced a strategic joint investment in Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW), a leading innovator in high-performance plant materials. This partnership is set to significantly advance NFW's mission of enhancing the commercialization and global reach of its eco-friendly technology and low-carbon materials.

Set against the backdrop of an increasing demand for sustainable alternatives, this investment comes at a pivotal time for NFW as it ramps up production of its cutting-edge innovations. These include PLIANT™, the world's first naturally cured high-performance rubber outsole, and MIRUM®, a fully natural and plastic-free leather alternative. Both products form a scalable and regenerative circular material platform created to replace petroleum-based plastics and synthetic materials across various industries without sacrificing performance, durability, or aesthetic appeal. The newly enhanced PLIANT™ is already available for order, signaling a robust market entry ahead.

Steve Zika, CEO of NFW, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership by stating, “This alliance marks a significant turning point for NFW as we continue working towards our goal of commercializing high-performance sustainable materials. Provest's operator-focused approach closely aligns with our needs as the demand from our global brand partners continues to grow. Alongside CTW, we are establishing the critical foundations necessary for responsible scaling and advancing the next generation of plant-based materials.”

NFW’s innovations have already attracted backing from industry giants and strategic investors such as BMW iVentures, Ralph Lauren Corporation, Allbirds, and Asahi Kasei, which underscores the company's potential to redefine the high-performance material landscape. The recent influx of investment focus from Provest and CTW will leverage this momentum by emphasizing operational execution, manufacturing scalability, product innovation, and long-term value creation.

Suhas Uppalapati, NFW's president and managing partner at Provest Equity Partners, stated, “NFW represents the type of platform we seek to support, where cutting-edge science meets true industrial relevance. Our role is to help transform innovation into scalable, profitable growth as the company enters its next phase on its journey.”

Following this investment, NFW plans to further cultivate its presence in markets including footwear, fashion, automotive, and industrial sectors, while driving its mission to replace fossil fuel-based materials with regenerative, climate-adapted natural alternatives.

Based in Peoria, Illinois, Natural Fiber Welding is a pioneering materials science company dedicated to developing high-performance, plastic-free materials made entirely from renewable plant inputs. The initiative marks a crucial step in transitioning to sustainability-focused production methodologies that promise a positive environmental impact and a more responsible approach to manufacturing materials of the future.

As the global landscape shifts towards eco-consciousness, investments like that of Provest and CTW into companies like NFW signify the growing recognition of the importance of sustainable practices in industry, promising a greener future for material innovation.