Infinited Fiber receives investment from RGE to scale up its technology
Type of post: NEWS.
Infinited
Fiber Company Oy (IFC, a Finish textile start-up) has received its largest
single investment from RGE Pte Ltd (RGE, a resource-based
manufacturer with headquarters in Singapore) to advance innovative fibre
solutions technology. In this way, RGE joins a group of investors (including
H&M Group, Virala and Fortum) to help IFC scale up its technology that
turns textile waste and other pulp-based materials into new textile fibres. A
strategic cooperation agreement was also signed between RGE and IFC to
commercialise the startup’s technology.
Press release: “Infinited
Fiber Receives Lead Investment From RGE”, 15/8/2019.
The IFC technology
The technology can turn textile, cardboard and
agricultural waste to a brand-new fiber (natural feel similar to cotton, anti-bacterial
properties, 30-40% higher color uptake). This fiber can be circulated infinite
times while preserving 100% quality.
The core of Infinited Fiber technology consists
of three key processes: (1) Fiber separation; (2) Turning material into liquid;
(3) Turning liquid into fiber. The process is applicable to existing pulp and
viscose fiber factories (thus saving the investment costs and lowering the
risks).
Figure 1. IFC process has three main phases: (1)
Fiber separation; (2) Turning material into liquid; (3) Turning liquid into
fiber.
The IFC business model and future perspectives
The business model of IFC is to license its
technology for global fiber producers in textile and non-woven industries. The
end-use applications include fashion, home textiles, disposable personal care
products (wipes, diapers, pads) and technical products (automotive filters,
dairy, construction applications). The production process is protected by
several patents in key market areas.
Since early 2018, IFC has been operating a 50 tons/year pilot plant in Espoo (Finland) that produces fiber for testing purposes with global brand owners such as H&M, VF Corporation and their manufacturers. Recently, the company leased production facilities in Valkeakoski city (Southern Finland) for a new pre-commercial 500 tons/year plant and customer training centre that will start up in early 2020. The new financing will enable IFC to finalise the scaling of the technology and to extend the fiber production capacity. IFC employs 11 people and its turnover in 2018 was 1.5 M€.
