#Sustainability #Portugal #Porto #AeoniQ #Altri

Altri Acquires Majority Stake in AeoniQ™

Altri SGPS S.A., a prominent manufacturer of sustainable cellulosic fibers based in Portugal, recently announced a significant step towards revolutionizing the textile industry. The company has signed a deal to acquire a majority stake in AeoniQ™, a cutting-edge spin-off from HeiQ Materials AG located in Switzerland. This landmark acquisition is poised to enhance Altri's strategic focus on sustainable textile innovations.

A Move Towards Sustainability

The essence of this acquisition centers on AeoniQ™'s breakthrough product: the world's first climate-positive, biodegradable cellulose filament yarn. Designed to serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fabrics like polyester and nylon, AeoniQ™ promises to significantly reduce environmental impact while maintaining high performance. This aligns with growing global demands for sustainable fashion and responsible production methods in the textile industry.

According to José Soares de Pina, CEO of Altri, this acquisition is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The investment includes a capital increase aimed at scaling AeoniQ™'s production capabilities to meet commercial demand. The joint venture will see the establishment of the first industrial-scale AeoniQ™ production facility at Altri's Caima pulp mill in Portugal, with construction expected to start in 2026, targeting an initial capacity of 1,750 tons per year.

Leveraging Innovation for Growth

AeoniQ™ operates on a model of complete circularity, avoiding plastic while providing a renewable and biodegradable solution for the textile sector. This not only reflects a shift in consumer expectations but also addresses the growing urgency for sustainable practices across various industries.

The product is designed to meet various applications, featuring natural elasticity, softness, and strength—making it suitable for everything from lingerie and workwear to footwear, home textiles, medical clothing, and automotive interiors.

Furthermore, independent life cycle assessments highlight that AeoniQ™ can reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 3.2 kg per kg of yarn compared to traditional polyester, reinforcing its sustainable credentials.

Collaborations and Future Prospects

The joint venture under the AeoniQ™ brand will benefit from collaborations with key players across the textile value chain. Leading global brands, such as Hugo Boss, and functional apparel manufacturer MAS Holdings are already on board as investors, while THE LYCRA COMPANY has acquired exclusive distribution rights. Additionally, other partners include well-known companies like Riopele and Lameirinho, emphasizing a strong support network for this ambitious initiative.

Altri and HeiQ's partnership not only leverages industrial know-how but also technological prowess to create high-quality, sustainable textiles. Carlo Centonze, CEO of HeiQ, noted that this strategic alliance will transform AeoniQ™ from a tested innovation into a full-fledged global production platform, underscoring the shared vision for a greener future in fashion.

Commitment to Bioeconomy

This acquisition aligns with Altri’s broader strategy of reinforcing its presence in the sustainable fiber sector, aiming to contribute to a renewable world. The company operates under bioeconomy principles, utilizing renewable and recyclable resources sourced from certified forests, and is dedicated to processing these resources through efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

In summary, Altri's acquisition of a majority stake in AeoniQ™ signals a significant progression toward sustainable textile manufacturing, setting a new standard in an industry that has faced increasing scrutiny over its environmental impacts. The completion of this acquisition is anticipated in the third quarter of 2025, subject to typical transaction conditions, marking an exciting transition for both brands in their journey towards a more sustainable future.