#Portugal #Porto #Altri #HeiQ #AeoniQ™

Altri's Acquisition of a Majority Stake in AeoniQ™

In a groundbreaking development within the textile industry, Altri SGPS S.A. (ALTR.LS), a prominent name in sustainable cellulosic pulp production based in Portugal, has reached a significant agreement to acquire a majority stake in AeoniQ™, an innovative cleantech company. This strategic move is viewed as a critical step toward revolutionizing textile production through sustainability and environmental responsibility.

A Game-Changing Partnership

AeoniQ™ has made headlines as the first producer of climate-positive, biodegradable cellulosic filament yarn, aimed to replace traditional and highly polluting synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. By combining Altri's industrial know-how with HeiQ Materials AG's technological expertise, this partnership is set to establish a new standard for sustainable textiles. The joint venture takes its name from a clever blend of both companies—'A' for Altri and 'iQ' for HeiQ—symbolizing collaboration for a sustainable future.

Building the Future of Textile Production

As part of this ambitious plan, the world’s first industrial AeoniQ™ production plant will be constructed right at Altri’s Caima pulp mill in Portugal. Groundbreaking for this facility is anticipated to kick off in 2026, with an initial production capacity of 1,750 tons per year. The construction of this plant embodies Altri's vision of advancing into high-value, low-impact cellulosic applications, further solidifying their strategic approach toward sustainable practices.

Additionally, Altri aims to enhance its existing capabilities by establishing a pre-industrial plant to accelerate prototyping and brand partnerships. This will allow them to engage with industry leaders more effectively, paving the way for capsule collections and innovative collaborations.

Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

AeoniQ™ yarn stands out for its unique properties; certified by TÜV Austria and OEKO-TEX®, the yarn is not only biodegradable across various environments, including marine and industrial composting, but also showcases remarkable qualities such as natural elasticity and softness--characteristics that make it suitable for a broad range of applications from lingerie to automotive interiors.

Notably, independent Life Cycle Assessments conducted on AeoniQ™ have underscored its potential environmental advantages, demonstrating that its production could reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 3.2 kg per kg of yarn when compared to traditional polyester options. The growing acceptance of AeoniQ™ is also evident, as it has already been featured in product lines from renowned brands such as Hugo Boss.

Support and Collaboration in the Textile Ecosystem

The joint venture stands strong not only due to Altri and HeiQ's resources but also through collaboration with critical players in the textile value chain. Key supporters include hefty names like German fashion giant Hugo Boss, who are equity co-investors, and MAS Holdings, a leading technical garment maker from South Asia. Additionally, THE LYCRA COMPANY has acquired exclusive distribution rights to AeoniQ™ products.

This robust collaboration among industry players further enhances the venture’s objectives to drive innovation and technology in the textile sector, striving toward a circular economy.

Advancing Towards a Sustainable Future

As Altri continues to navigate through the landscape of sustainable production, this acquisition aligns perfectly with their commitment to creating a renewable world. José Soares de Pina, the CEO of Altri, emphasizes that this venture embodies their strategy of advancing up the value chain through investment in next-generation materials, effectively positioning the company at the forefront of a significant transformation in the textile industry.

Carlo Centonze, CEO of HeiQ, echoed this sentiment, asserting that Altri's investment catalyzes AeoniQ™ from an innovative concept into a full-fledged global production platform. By delivering a market-ready solution designed to mitigate the significant impacts of textile pollution, they are setting a new course for environmentally sustainable textile choices.

With completion of this acquisition still pending the usual closing conditions, the companies are optimistic about finalizing the agreement by the third quarter. As they forge ahead, the partnership stands as a beacon of innovation, showcasing the future of textiles that prioritize sustainability without compromising performance.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Altri and AeoniQ™ holds promising potential for reshaping the textile industry, aligning beautifully with broader sustainability goals. Through advanced technologies and innovative practices, this partnership paves the way for a future where textiles are not simply products but principles of environmental stewardship and responsibility. As Altri strides confidently into the world of sustainable textiles, they truly embody the evolution of fiber production for a greener planet.