#Natural Fibers

2026-04-30

Natural Fiber Welding Inc. debuts PLIANT™ PCS, a 100-percent biobased outsole compound for the footwear industry

Next-Generation Natural, Non-Toxic and Plastic-Free Materials Close the Performance Gap with Petroleum-Based Rubber Compounds

Natural Fiber Welding Inc. (NFW), a pioneer in high-performance, plant-based materials, today announced the commercial availability of PLIANT™ PCS, a 100-percent biobased, non-toxic, and plastic-free natural rubber outsole compound engineered for the footwear industry. NFW is introducing its next-generation natural rubber compound at the International Footwear Conference (FXPO) on April 28–29, in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Biobased outsole materials have historically struggled to match the mechanical performance of conventional synthetic rubber compounds, limiting their adoption among footwear brands that cannot compromise on durability or traction. PLIANT PCS closes that gap.

PLIANT PCS achieves tensile and tear strength exceeding three times the highest requirements observed across industry-standard footwear specifications, strong DIN abrasion resistance, and outstanding grip performance in wet and dry conditions.

"The performance data on PLIANT PCS speaks for itself: tensile and tear strength well above industry requirements, grip that competes with synthetic alternatives, and a supply model that fits how brands actually develop and manufacture footwear," said Steve Zika, chief executive officer of Natural Fiber Welding. "We built PLIANT PCS to eliminate the tradeoffs brands have had to accept when considering biobased outsole materials. It delivers on that."

PLIANT PCS is 100-percent biobased, completely free of petrochemicals, toxic additives, and plastics. For footwear brands facing increasing pressure to move away from petroleum-derived materials across their supply chains, NFW offers a path to meaningful material substitution without sacrificing the performance attributes their products depend on. PLIANT PCS is cost competitive with industry-leading premium compression-molded rubber offerings.

NFW allows brands to integrate PLIANT PCS into their supply chains through two production pathways. PLIANT PCS is available as a bulk compound that can be shipped directly to a brand's nominated outsole molding factory. Or, NFW can provide finished molded outsoles through its established manufacturing network. This flexibility allows brands to integrate PLIANT PCS into their existing supply chains whether they prefer to work with their own production partners or leverage NFW's capabilities.

NFW is attending FXPO, April 28–29 in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Additionally, Charlie Smith, Global Sales Manager, will be speaking about "A New Step Forward: 100% Plastic-Free Outsoles for Footwear" on April 28th.

PLIANT PCS is available now. Brands and manufacturing partners can learn more or request samples at www.nfw.earth/PLIANT.

Provest Equity Partners and CTW Venture Partners announce strategic joint investment in Natural Fiber Welding Inc.

Natural Fiber Welding Inc. (“NFW”), a pioneer in high-performance, plant-based materials, today announced a strategic investment from Provest Equity Partners, made jointly with CTW Venture Partners (“CTW”). The investment supports NFW’s next phase as the company accelerates commercialization and global scale of its breakthrough climate-tech, low-carbon materials platform.

NFW announces successful funding round under new CEO

NFW, a global leader in plastic-free biomaterials, today announced a series of strategic initiatives designed to ensure long-term sustainability and drive renewed growth. These initiatives include the appointment of co-founder Steve Zika as Chief Executive Officer and the successful closing of a funding round backed by existing shareholders.

Cotton made in Africa partners receive top marks in independent verifications

Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) and CmiA Organic are two internationally recognised standards that aim to promote sustainable development in the African cotton sector south of the Sahara. To ensure the standards’ credibility among brands, retailers, and consumers, independent verifiers evaluate compliance on the ground. The verification results for 2025, now published in the Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report, were very strong: The verifiers awarded consistently very good remarks regarding management, people, prosperity, and the environment.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.