Portuguese pulp producer Altri SGPS S.A. has announced plans to acquire a majority stake in AeoniQ™, a Swiss cleantech spin-off of HeiQ Materials AG.
The acquisition marks a strategic move by Altri to expand into the sustainable textile sector by scaling the world’s first industrial production of climate-positive, biodegradable filament yarn.
AeoniQ™ offers a high-performance alternative to polyester and nylon, using cellulosic raw materials that are fully biodegradable in multiple environments, including marine and industrial composting. The yarn’s development is already backed by validation through capsule collections with Hugo Boss and Lameirinho.
The industrial rollout of AeoniQ™ will begin with the construction of a new facility at Altri’s Caima pulp mill in Portugal, with an initial capacity of 1,750 tonnes per year. A pre-industrial line is also planned for 2026 to fast-track product prototyping and brand partnerships.
The AeoniQ™ joint venture will combine Altri’s industrial know-how with HeiQ’s technological expertise, while also leveraging raw materials from eucalyptus pulp and, later, recycled and bio-based feedstocks.
“This agreement gives concrete form to Altri’s strategy of moving up the value chain and investing in next-generation materials,” said José Soares de Pina, CEO of Altri.
Carlo Centonze, CEO of HeiQ, added: “Altri’s investment transforms AeoniQ™ from a market-proven innovation into a full-scale global production platform. Together, we are offering a market-ready solution to one of the planet’s most polluting industries.”
Equity co-investors in the venture include Hugo Boss and MAS Holdings, with THE LYCRA COMPANY securing exclusive distribution rights.
The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2025, pending customary conditions.
Altri SGPS S.A. is a Portuguese leader in sustainable cellulosic pulp production, focused on renewable resources and circular bioeconomy solutions.
