Natural Fiber Welding Recognized Again as a Leading Greentech Company in the U.S.

Natural Fiber Welding Inc. Achieves Recognition in Greentech

Natural Fiber Welding Inc. (NFW), a groundbreaking company specializing in high-performance, plant-based materials, has once again earned a spot on the esteemed TIME and Statista list of "America's Top Greentech Companies". The 2026 list marks NFW's second appearance, with an impressive leap of 113 positions from its previous ranking, securing the 69th position overall and the highest rank for any Greentech firm from Illinois.

The results of this annual evaluation conducted by TIME and Statista emphasize the growing significance and impact of companies dedicated to advancing sustainability through technology, products, and services that mitigate environmental damage caused by human activities. For the third consecutive year, NFW has demonstrated its commitment to environmental responsibility through its innovative approaches and continuous evolution in the field.

Steve Zika, CEO and co-founder of NFW, expressed pride in this coveted recognition, stating, "Being named to TIME and Statista's list of 'America's Top Greentech Companies' again is an honor that not only reflects our ongoing work with global brands but also the progress we're making. At NFW, we believe performance and sustainability must go hand in hand. Our products are the practical embodiment of what earned us this recognition, proving that 100 percent biobased materials can meet—and exceed—rigorous marketplace demands without relying on plastics, fossil fuels, or toxic chemistry."

One of NFW's standout products is PLIANT™, which represents the world’s first naturally cured performance rubber outsoles. PLIANT serves as a scalable, regenerative platform capable of replacing long-standing categories of plastic and petrochemical materials without sacrificing performance, durability, or aesthetic appeal.

The assessment process reviewed over 3,500 companies against three weighted criteria: environmental impact, financial stability, and innovation. NFW was especially commended in the Circular Economy category, reinforcing its mission to supplant petroleum-based materials with high-performance natural alternatives.

The full rankings can be explored in detail at TIME's official website.

About Natural Fiber Welding

Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, Natural Fiber Welding is at the forefront of materials science, innovating high-performance, plastic-free alternatives derived entirely from renewable plant inputs. Their flagship products, PLIANT™ and MIRUM®, deliver the performance equivalent to synthetic materials but with a focus on sustainability, eschewing fossil fuels and hazardous chemicals in favor of scalable solutions sought by global brands. For further information or inquiries, please visit www.nfw.earth.

NFW's continued growth and achievements exemplify the critical role innovative companies play in shaping a sustainable future, setting benchmarks that inspire other businesses to reassess their environmental impact.