#Textile chemistry

2024-09-12

New CEO for Beaulieu International Group

Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) announces the appointment of its new CEO, Mr. Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck. This important step marks a new era of leadership and stability for the company.

Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck (45) has a solid background in senior leadership roles and international finance. He is moving over from AbrisoJiffy where he successfully transformed the company from a local business to a pan-European leader in protective packaging and insulation. He has a strong track record in profitability improvement, growth and building highly effective teams. Prior to that, he was CEO of food packaging company Omniform. Previously he led a start-up in Latin America. He started his career in Investment Banking in London where he spent more than 6 years executing M&A and financing transactions across Europe. He holds a Master in Business Administration from the University of Brussels, a Master in Finance from Vlerick Business School and completed several Leadership courses at INSEAD.

New CEO for Beaulieu International Group: Mr. Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck © Beaulieu International Group

His appointment as external and non-family CEO highlights B.I.G.'s commitment to professional and independent leadership and provides a fresh perspective on the company's growth strategies.

"We are delighted to welcome Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck as our new CEO," says Dominiek De Clerck, Chairman of the B.I.G. Board of Directors "His experience and fresh perspectives will be essential to identify and capitalize on new opportunities in our industry. With this appointment, we intend to enter a new phase of growth and stability and to continue to implement B.I.G.'s outlined sustainable growth strategy.”

Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck: “I am honoured to join B.I.G. at such a pivotal time. I’m very positive about the future and the opportunities ahead of us. I know periods of change can be unsettling but I’m going to focus my energy on the positive projects and those where I believe there is a huge potential to grow and to improve. Building on strong foundations but looking forward rather than backward. I would like to thank the family and the Board for their trust and I look forward to coming on board and leading B.I.G. to the next chapter of success.”

Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck takes over the torch from Pol Deturck who left the company at the end of June 2024. His official start date is still to be mutually agreed upon, but in the coming months Jean-Baptiste will gradually settle in at Beaulieu International Group.

Alujain Corporation and Beaulieu International Group announce strategic Joint Venture to locally produce synthetic fibres and non-wovens in Saudi Arabia

Alujain Corporation and Beaulieu International Group are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for an envisaged strategic joint venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This represents a significant milestone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s industrial development agenda. The partnership, subject to approval by authorities, brings together Alujain Corporation’s established regional manufacturing platform with state-of-the-art polymers and Beaulieu’s globally recognized expertise in synthetic fibres and non-wovens.

Beaulieu International Group announces acquisition of fibre company

Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) today announces it has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire all shares of IFG Asota GMBH, an Austria-based fibre company and a key player in the global synthetic staple fibres market. This strategic acquisition strengthens Beaulieu’s Fibres Division (BFI) and marks an important step in its ambition to become the world’s most trusted partner for sustainable nonwoven solutions.

B.I.G. Yarns achieves EcoVadis Platinum Rating, ranking among top 1% of companies worldwide

B.I.G. Yarns, the carpet yarn brand of B.I.G. and a leading manufacturer of polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) yarns for contract, automotive, and high-end residential applications, has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, placing the company among the top 1% of more than 130.000 companies assessed globally.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.

Archroma expands denim possibilities at Kingpins Amsterdam

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, will present a portfolio of six sustainable denim innovations at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 15-16, 2026. Under the theme “Creating Possibilities in Denim”, the showcase reflects Archroma’s commitment to giving brands and mills solutions that are as commercially compelling as they are environmentally responsible.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.