Profile Of Rivertex: A Specialist In Advanced Textiles And Synthetic Fabrics For Performance Apparel And Technical Applications

Profile Of Rivertex: A Specialist In Advanced Textiles And Synthetic Fabrics For Performance Apparel And Technical Applications

Rivertex Technical Fabrics (Rivertex), based in the Netherlands, is a major global producer of advanced textiles and synthetic fabrics for performance apparel and technical applications, and it commands a leading position in the field of coated and laminated fabrics and films. Predominantly, the company serves five key markets in the performance apparel and technical textile industries, namely industrial, marine, medical, personal protective equipment (PPE), and tents and structures. In the industrial market, Rivertex caters to applications in agriculture, aquaculture, construction and transport. It produces fabrics for heavy duty truck tarpaulins, and it supplies materials for containment systems used in the management, storage and transportation of hazardous chemicals, fuels and drinking water. In the marine market, the company boasts a position as one of the largest producers of technical fabrics for life safety jackets. Also, it supplies fabrics for water sports apparel and accessories. In the medical market, the company produces materials for clinical mattresses, compression garments and patient transfer systems. In the case of personal protective equipment (PPE), the company manufactures functional fabrics for the military and workwear sectors. In particular, it supplies ballistic fabrics and laminates for soft body armour components, and camouflage fabrics for combat uniforms and military accessories and equipment. Also, it has a portfolio of fabrics for chemical protective clothing, outdoor apparel, turnout gear and uniforms. In the tents and structures market, the company produces materials for awnings, marquees and other tensile structures. Rivertex aims to adhere to the principles of environmental sustainability and circularity in its operations but, looking ahead, the company must continue to demonstrate its seriousness in confronting concerns about the environmental sustainability of synthetic fabrics—especially as synthetic fabrics are facing criticism for their contribution to the problem of microplastics pollution in the environment. Furthermore, steps are being taken to regulate the environmental sustainability of the textile industry, especially in the EU, and these steps have already led to the development of landmark legislative proposals which will force the company’s hand.