#Portugal #Porto #AeoniQ #Altri #HeiQ

Major Investment in Sustainable Textiles

Altri SGPS S.A., a prominent Portuguese company specializing in sustainable cellulose pulp production, has made waves in the textile industry with its recent acquisition of a majority stake in the innovative clean technology firm AeoniQ™. This decision, solidified on July 1, 2025, underscores Altri's commitment to advancing environmentally friendly textile solutions by transitioning towards industrial production of climate-positive textile yarns.

The Innovation Behind AeoniQ™

AeoniQ™ is pioneering a groundbreaking biodegradable cellulose filament that aims to replace traditional polyester and nylon. This unique eco-friendly product reflects the performance of synthetic fibers while eliminating the associated environmental drawbacks. Positioned as a revolutionary alternative, AeoniQ™ is designed to offer a fully circular, plastic-free solution to the textile sector.

With this acquisition, Altri is set to construct the world's very first industrial facility dedicated to AeoniQ™ production at its Caima pulp mill. Construction of this state-of-the-art factory is projected to commence in 2026, initially with a production capacity of 1,750 tons per year. This new plant will not only complement existing pilot lines in Austria but also pave the way for the launch of a pre-industrial facility in Portugal. This facility will expedite prototyping, foster partnerships with fashion brands, and enable exclusive collection launches.

A Strategic Partnership

The venture, aptly named 'AeoniQ', combines the industrial expertise of Altri with HeiQ's technological ingenuity—'A' signifies Altri, while 'iQ' stands for HeiQ, reflecting an alliance aimed at ushering in a sustainable era. The collaboration will facilitate vertical integration, streamlining the process from eucalyptus pulp to the finished textile filament. Future plans also include the incorporation of recycled raw materials, such as cotton textile waste, agricultural residues, and bacterial cellulose derived from food waste.

Market Readiness and Environmental Impact

AeoniQ™'s cellulose filaments have received certifications from TÜV Austria and OEKO-TEX®, confirming their complete biodegradability in marine environments, soil, freshwater, and industrial composting areas. The product's inherent qualities include natural elasticity, softness, and durability. Additionally, AeoniQ™ is highly versatile, making it suitable for various applications, including lingerie, workwear, footwear, home textiles, medical clothing, and automotive interiors.

Two independent life cycle assessments have indicated that AeoniQ™ fibers result in at least 3.2 kg less CO₂ emissions per kilogram compared to conventional polyester yarns. The innovative yarn has already featured in exclusive capsule collections from luxury brand Hugo Boss, as well as in Lameirinho's vegan silk bedding range showcased at Heimtextil 2025.

Transforming the Textile Ecosystem

The AeoniQ™ venture has garnered support from key stakeholders in the textile supply chain. Notable partners include the German fashion brand Hugo Boss, along with MAS Holdings, the leading technical apparel manufacturer in South Asia, as co-investors. Additionally, THE LYCRA COMPANY holds the exclusive distribution rights, while development partners comprise Riopele, Impetus, Lameirinho, Beste, Feinjersey, Taiana, Dolinschek, Aunde Group, Amann, and Strahle + Hess.

José Soares de Pina, CEO of Altri, expressed, "This agreement aligns with Altri's strategy to enhance our value chain and invest in next-generation materials. We are developing a game-changing innovation that perfectly aligns with our commitment to building a more renewable world."

Carlo Centonze, CEO of HeiQ, added, "With Altri's investment, AeoniQ™ is transitioning from a proven innovation to a globally scalable production platform. Together, we offer a market-ready solution for one of the planet's most polluting industries, textiles. This joint venture merges Altri's industrial expertise with HeiQ's innovative prowess to deliver a sustainable, efficient, plastic-free European textile solution."

The acquisition fits seamlessly into Altri's strategy of deepening involvement in sustainable textile fibers and contributing to a more renewable world. Altri is grounded in the principles of bioeconomy, utilizing renewable and recyclable resources from certified forests—transforming them through industrial processes that reflect the most efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, thereby promoting circular economy principles.

As the acquisition hinges on the completion of customary closing conditions, the companies anticipate finalization by the third quarter of this year.

About the Companies

HeiQ is a global innovator of clean and biotechnology-based materials headquartered in Switzerland. HeiQ offers over 200 patented technologies aimed at improving everyday products while enhancing their sustainability. For further information, visit HeiQ.

Altri is one of Europe’s leading producers of cellulose fibers sourced from certified FSC and PEFC forests, operating three modern pulp mills with an annual production capacity exceeding 1.1 million tons. Altri is also involved in renewable forest-based energy, particularly in industrial co-generation from black liquor. Their forest management strategy emphasizes the complete utilization of forest components—cellulose fibers, black liquor, and forest residues, and is committed to bioeconomy and decarbonization. Visit Altri for more details.

AeoniQ™ represents HeiQ's flagship textile innovation, boasting a fully biodegradable, recyclable, and plastic-free filament made from renewable and circular cellulose-based raw materials. Designed to replace invasive polyester and nylon, AeoniQ™ maintains both fashion performance and technical capabilities without environmental cost. With its independent structure, it allows for strategic investments and swift commercialization. More information can be found at AeoniQ.