(L-R) Nibertex’s R&D staff Edward Bonganay, co-founders Jae M. Park (CSO) and Jae H. Park (COO), and Deputy of R&D Dr. Jennet Rabo
Jae H Park and his brother Jae M, originally from South Korea, grew up in Manila in the Philippines, where their father ran a series of manufacturing companies, from paper and garment textiles to polymer films.
As their family businesses grew and scaled, the brother-duo realised that environmentally safer alternatives to textile materials were the future and the only way to build a sustainable business.
So, in 2020, they set up Nibertex, which develops ‘per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances’ (PFAS)-free membrane solutions for the textile industry.
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“PFAS chemicals are known for their environmental and health risks. They are persistent in the environment and have been linked to various health risks. They do not break down and can accumulate over time in human bodies and ecosystems,” Jae H Park tells e27. “We at Nibertex have developed 100 per cent PFAS-free waterproof breathable membranes.”
Nibertex’s membrane technology utilises advanced polymer sciences to create films completely free from PFAS chemicals. According to Park, these membranes eliminate the use of these harmful chemicals, significantly reducing environmental pollution and potential health hazards associated with traditional waterproof textiles. They can achieve “superior performance” using safer, compliant chemicals while offering enhanced breathability and durability.
The deeptech startup uses advanced polymer blends and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to create micro-porous structures that allow water vapour to escape while blocking water entry. Park says this technology ensures high breathability and completes water resistance without PFAS, leading to safer, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly products.
The founder-duo encountered several challenges while building Nibertex. One major challenge was creating a membrane that matched the performance of traditional materials without PFAS. Through extensive R&D, collaboration with material scientists, and iterative testing, they eventually developed a proprietary blend of polymers that met traditional performance metrics without harmful chemicals.
A B2B venture, Nibertex supplies PFAS-free membranes to manufacturers and brands in the textile, automotive, and medical industries. It generates revenue through direct sales, long-term supply agreements, and collaborative projects with brands seeking sustainable materials.
Post-sales, the startup provides brands and manufacturers with technical support, performance data, and comparative studies showcasing the benefits of switching to PFAS-free membranes. “We also offer customisation options to meet specific application needs, facilitating an easier transition to sustainable alternatives,” Park reveals.
Nibertex sees opportunities for its membrane technology in electronics, where it can provide insulation and moisture protection; automotive, where it can be used as lightweight, durable liners; and construction, where it can be used as energy-efficient barriers.
“The versatility and superior performance of our membranes — combined with growing regulatory and consumer demand for sustainable products –position Nibertex for global adoption across multiple industries,” says Park, who is the COO.
Also Read: TômTex secures US$4.15M to make eco-friendly textiles
In April this year, Nibertex closed an oversubscribed funding round led by Foxmont Capital Partners and supported by a consortium of Southeast Asian families. The capital is being used for scaling up production capabilities, enhancing the R&D efforts to innovate further in membrane technology and expanding the domestic and international market reach.
“This will enable faster commercialisations of our PFAS-free products and support our expansion into new industries,” Park notes.
Nibertex aims to pioneer a significant shift in the textile and material manufacturing industries by providing an innovative solution to the environmental and health challenges posed by PFAS chemicals. The innovation has positioned the startup as a force to reckon with in the sustainable materials sector.
As industries increasingly prioritise green innovations, Nibertex stands at the forefront, championing a future where environmental responsibility and industrial performance go hand in hand.
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Image Credit: Nibertex.
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