Nibertex, a leading deep-tech manufacturing company specialising in PFAS-free waterproof and breathable textile membranes, today announced the successful closure of its US$7 million Series A funding round. The round was led by Southeast Asian venture capital firm TNB Aura, with participation from existing investors Asian Development Bank (ADB), Faircrest Holding, and Foxmont Capital Partners.
Addressing the Global PFAS Challenge
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals commonly used in products like rain jackets, activewear, medical gowns, food packaging, and non-stick cookware to provide water and stain resistance. However, these substances are now under global scrutiny due to their persistence in the environment and links to serious health concerns.
With bans accelerating across the United States, the European Union, and Asia-Pacific, there is growing urgency for manufacturers to find alternatives that do not compromise on performance. Nibertex addresses this challenge with a proprietary electrospinning (“nanospinning”) technology and formula that produces PFAS-free, waterproof, and breathable membranes—delivering both high performance and environmental responsibility.
Richard Beck, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of Nibertex and a former senior executive at W. L. Gore & Associates (GORE-TEX), emphasised the urgency of industry transformation: “PFAS-free performance materials are no longer a ‘nice to have’ — they’re fast becoming a requirement,” said Beck. “At Nibertex, we’re combining decades of scientific and commercial expertise to deliver membrane solutions that meet real-world technical demands. With our global outlook and deep materials knowledge, we aim to serve as a trusted partner to manufacturers navigating this critical shift.”
“Nibertex is solving a pressing challenge for the global materials industry,” said Vicknesh Pillay, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at TNB Aura. “Their early commercial success, coupled with cost-effective manufacturing capabilities in the Philippines and a product that stands strong against global membrane players, we have high conviction. This marks TNB Aura’s first major investment in the Philippines, and we’re excited to partner with Nibertex to scale a solution with true global potential.”
Scaling Production to Meet Growing Demand
Founded in 2019, Nibertex has built a proprietary manufacturing process that enables the scalable production of PFAS-free membranes. These membranes are ultra-soft, silent, stretchable, and engineered to disappear into the textile, making them ideal for use in performance apparel, healthcare, industrial, and consumer applications.
With this Series A funding, Nibertex will:
- Expand Manufacturing Capacity: Deploy capital expenditure to increase output and meet surging demand
- Advance R&D: Accelerate development of membrane applications for industries beyond apparel
- Deepen Market Reach: Scale go-to-market efforts and secure strategic partnerships with global brands
“This funding milestone represents a pivotal moment for Nibertex as we scale our operations to meet the surging global demand for sustainable textile alternatives,” said Jae H. Park, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Nibertex. “Our proprietary nanospinning technology gives us a competitive edge in delivering high-performance, environmentally responsible solutions that the industry desperately needs.”
Market Leadership in Sustainable Materials
Nibertex’s success reflects the broader shift toward sustainable manufacturing practices and regulatory compliance in the textile industry. As governments worldwide implement stricter PFAS regulations, companies like Nibertex that offer proven alternatives are becoming increasingly valuable to manufacturers seeking to future-proof their operations.
The company’s electrospinning technology represents a breakthrough in membrane manufacturing, enabling the production of materials that are not only environmentally safe but also deliver the performance characteristics that have made PFAS-containing products popular in demanding applications
