In a bold move towards sustainability, MAS Holdings, the global apparel and textile manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in Sri Lanka, has announced a strategic partnership with HeiQ AeoniQ, a subsidiary of the Swiss-based HeiQ Group. This collaboration aims to spearhead the development of next-generation cellulosic filament fibers that have the potential to replace environmentally harmful materials such as polyester and nylon.
MAS Holdings, known for its global footprint across 16 countries, has made sustainable practices a key focus of its corporate strategy. Their ambitious “Plan for Change” initiative seeks to generate 50% of the company’s revenue through sustainable products by 2025, with an emphasis on sustainable sourcing and pioneering circularity on a large scale.
As part of the partnership, HeiQ and MAS have agreed on a five-year offtake agreement. The deal entails the purchase of 3,000 tons of HeiQ AeoniQ yarn in 2025, with an increased volume of 5,000 tons per year from 2026 to 2029. This collaboration solidifies MAS Holdings’ commitment to driving positive environmental impact by replacing traditional materials with sustainable alternatives.
HeiQ AeoniQ, a technology developed by HeiQ Group, has garnered significant attention from major players in the textile and clothing industries since its launch at the end of 2021. With its proprietary manufacturing method, this innovative technology enables the production of cellulosic filament yarn from a wide range of underutilized feedstocks. Remarkably, it replicates the performance characteristics of polyester and nylon while being sustainable and endlessly circular.
Currently, polyester and nylon, both derived from non-renewable petroleum sources, account for approximately 70% of global textile production. These materials take centuries to degrade in nature and contribute to the staggering levels of microplastic pollution in our oceans. With less than 1% of these fibers being recycled in a closed-loop system, the urgent need for sustainable alternatives has become increasingly apparent.
The HeiQ AeoniQ pilot plant in Austria is already manufacturing the yarn with an annual capacity of 100 tons. By the end of 2023, the production capacity is set to upscale to 300 tons. However, the definitive boost in production is expected by early 2026 with the construction of a state-of-the-art gigafactory. This new facility, requiring a €250 million investment, will have a massive output capacity of 30,000 tons per year, effectively addressing the growing demand for sustainable cellulosic fibers.
HeiQ Group CEO Carlo Centonze expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “The investment serves as resounding proof that leading textiles value chain players recognize HeiQ AeoniQ as the ultimate game-changer.” MAS Holdings CEO Suren Fernando added, “We believe that this investment is an important step in our efforts to reshape our industry by driving innovation, collaboration, and scale.”
The collaboration between MAS Holdings and HeiQ AeoniQ marks a significant milestone in the global textile industry’s journey towards sustainability. By replacing polyester and nylon with eco-friendly cellulosic fibers, this partnership has the potential to revolutionize the sector and significantly reduce its environmental impact. With companies of this magnitude committing to sustainable practices, the vision of a greener and more responsible future for the textile industry appears closer than ever before.