Nibertex, a deep-tech manufacturing company based in the Philippines, has closed a US$7 million Series A funding round to expand its production of PFAS-free waterproof and breathable textile membranes. The round was led by Southeast Asia-focused venture capital firm TNB Aura, with participation from existing investors Asian Development Bank (ADB), Faircrest Holding, and Foxmont Capital Partners.
The funding will support Nibertex’s efforts to scale up its proprietary membrane technology, which offers a sustainable alternative to materials that traditionally contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals, widely used in rain jackets, activewear, medical gowns, food packaging, and non-stick cookware, have come under increasing scrutiny for their links to health and environmental concerns.
Responding to the global shift away from PFAS
As regulatory bans on PFAS accelerate across the United States, the European Union, and Asia-Pacific markets, manufacturers are under pressure to find viable, high-performance alternatives. Nibertex’s solution uses a proprietary electrospinning process—referred to as “nanospinning”—to produce membranes that are waterproof, breathable, and completely PFAS-free.
Richard Beck, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer at Nibertex and a former senior executive at W. L. Gore & Associates, underscored the urgency of this transition. “PFAS-free performance materials are no longer a ‘nice to have’—they’re fast becoming a requirement,” he said. “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.”
Vicknesh Pillay, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at TNB Aura, said, “Nibertex is solving a pressing challenge for the global materials industry. 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 operations to meet rising demand
Founded in 2019, Nibertex has developed a scalable manufacturing process that allows for the cost-efficient production of PFAS-free membranes. These membranes are soft, silent, and stretchable, designed to blend seamlessly into textiles. They are suitable for use in performance wear, healthcare, industrial, and consumer products.
The fresh funding will be used to expand the company’s manufacturing capacity, accelerate research and development into new applications beyond apparel, and strengthen go-to-market initiatives and 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 at Nibertex. “Our proprietary nanospinning technology gives us a competitive edge in delivering high-performance, environmentally responsible solutions that the industry desperately needs.”
Gaining traction in sustainable innovation
Nibertex’s momentum aligns with a broader industry push for sustainable manufacturing practices, as regulatory pressure mounts and consumer demand for environmentally responsible products continues to grow. The company’s membrane technology provides a practical solution that addresses both compliance and performance—key priorities for global textile brands seeking to transition away from PFAS-based materials.
Its electrospinning process allows for fine control over membrane structure and composition, enabling Nibertex to match the durability and functionality of traditional membranes while removing harmful chemicals from the supply chain. This positions the company as a key player in the shift toward safer, sustainable alternatives across multiple industries.
