Altri to Acquire Majority Stake in AeoniQ for Climate Textile Expansion
Deal News | Jul 01, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision HeiQ Materials AG
Altri SGPS S.A., a leading Portuguese company in sustainable cellulosic pulp production, has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in AeoniQ, a Swiss-based cleantech spin-off of HeiQ Materials AG. This acquisition marks a significant push by Altri into the sustainable textile industry. AeoniQ has pioneered the world's first biodegradable and climate-positive cellulosic filament yarn, which could potentially transform the global textile market by offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. The acquisition is strategized to build commercial-scale AeoniQ production capacity and diversify Altri's operations into more high-value, low-impact cellulosic applications. The joint venture, branded under AeoniQ, will see the construction of the first industrial AeoniQ plant at Altri’s Caima pulp mill in Portugal, expected to begin in 2026. The plant's development is aimed at expanding the use of sustainable materials and supporting Altri's commitment to a renewable world. This strategic move is also backed by prominent industry players such as Hugo Boss and MAS Holdings through equity investment, with THE LYCRA COMPANY acquiring distribution rights. The completion of the acquisition is anticipated in the third quarter, subject to closing conditions.
Sectors
- Textiles
- Sustainable Materials
- Clean Technology
Geography
- Portugal – Altri is a Portuguese company and plans to build AeoniQ’s first industrial plant in Portugal, highlighting the country’s involvement in this significant sustainable initiative.
- Switzerland – AeoniQ is described as a Swiss-based spin-off from HeiQ Materials AG, marking Switzerland's role in the innovation and development of sustainable textile technologies.
Industry
- Textiles – The article focuses on innovations in the textile industry, specifically sustainable textiles, and how AeoniQ has the potential to disrupt the market with its biodegradable yarn.
- Sustainable Materials – Altri's investment into AeoniQ reflects a strategic move into sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, driving innovation in the development of climate-positive yarns.
- Clean Technology – AeoniQ represents clean technology by offering biodegradable and carbon-reducing yarn, which aligns with Altri’s focus on sustainability and ecological improvement.
Financials
- 1,750 tons per year (initial capacity) – The initial production capacity for AeoniQ’s industrial plant being constructed at Altri's Caima pulp mill in Portugal.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altri SGPS S.A. | Bidding Company/Buyer | Company | A Portuguese company leading in cellulosic fiber production and committed to sustainable practices, acquiring AeoniQ to expand into sustainable textiles. |
| AeoniQ | Target Company | Company | A spin-off from HeiQ, developing climate-positive, biodegradable yarn designed to replace synthetic fibers, and now a major investment focus of Altri. |
| HeiQ Materials AG | Other Company | Company | Swiss-based cleantech and innovation leader providing the technology behind AeoniQ. HeiQ brings its expertise into the joint venture with Altri. |
| Hugo Boss | Equity Co-Investor | Company | A German fashion brand involved in the AeoniQ joint venture through equity investment, underlining the fashion industry's support for sustainable materials. |
| MAS Holdings | Equity Co-Investor | Company | South Asia's leading garment manufacturer contributing equity investment, supporting the AeoniQ initiative as part of the textiles industry value chain. |
| THE LYCRA COMPANY | Distribution Partner | Company | Acquired exclusive distribution rights for AeoniQ, contributing its expertise in marketing and distributing textile innovations. |
| José Soares de Pina | Executive | Person | CEO of Altri, commenting on the strategic significance of the acquisition in sustainable textile development. |
| Carlo Centonze | Executive | Person | CEO of HeiQ, elaborating on Altri's investment transforming AeoniQ into a large-scale production platform. |