HeiQ ensures transparent communication and effective collaboration with brands
HeiQ research new solutions for partners deliver scaled-up manufacturing from their sites
across the world and help partners with go-to-market launches – aiming for lab to consumer
in months. The company also creates durable and high-performance technologies to-date.
Carlo Centonze, Co-Founder and CEO, HeiQ Group, shares how is the company
contributing to the Indian textile industry with Divya Shetty.
HeiQ research new solutions for partners deliver scaled-up manufacturing from their sites across the world and help partners with go-to-market launches – aiming for lab to consumer in months. The company also creates durable and high-performance technologies to-date. Carlo Centonze, Co-Founder and CEO, HeiQ Group, shares how is the company contributing to the Indian textile industry with Divya Shetty.
How has the textile technology landscape evolved in recent years, both in India and globally, and what role has HeiQ played in this transformation?
The textile technology landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, both within India and on a global scale. The advent of new materials, processes, and consumer demands has driven this evolution. HeiQ, founded in 2005, has played a pivotal role in shaping the innovation landscape. Through long-standing collaborations with significant global players from India, HeiQ has established itself as a key technology influencer. By pioneering circular and sustainable solutions, HeiQ has taken proactive steps to lead the charge in introducing environmentally friendly technologies. This stance places HeiQ at the forefront of driving positive change in the textile industry, influencing practices both in India and across the world.
Can you provide an overview of the most significant textile innovations developed by HeiQ and how they have impacted the industry?
HeiQ has emerged as a driving force behind several ground-breaking textile innovations, each contributing significantly to the industry. HeiQ Smart Temp, for instance, represents a paradigm shift by introducing dynamic cooling through a uniquely innovative approach. In times of global warming cooling textiles are ever more important. HeiQ Allergen Tech, another game-changer, utilises probiotics to revolutionise textile solutions for end users suffering from allergies. Meanwhile, HeiQ Cool delivers an immediate cooling impact, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics for home textiles. HeiQ Mint, with its durable and botanical odour control technology, showcases HeiQ’s commitment to eco-conscious solutions. Among these innovations, HeiQ AeoniQ stands as a testament to the company’s ability to consistently push boundaries and bring transformative technologies to the market, by addressing the urgent need to replace polyester and nylon with a biobased filament fibre alternative that is endlessly circular and fully biodegrades after only 12 weeks when left in regular soil.
India is a major textile manufacturing hub. What strategies has HeiQ implemented to collaborate with Indian textile manufacturers and leverage the country’s potential in textile technology?
In fostering collaboration with Indian textile manufacturers, HeiQ has strategically positioned itself to harness the country’s immense potential in textile technology. The initial step involved establishing a robust partnership with Intexso Biochem, a Mumbai-based expert manufacturing partner renowned for its technical acumen and extensive application experience. This decade long partnership has fortified HeiQ’s local presence and empowered the company to cater to the entire Indian market. With an accomplished local team in place and a suite of innovative products, HeiQ stands out in the field of functional and performance finishing technologies. This strategic positioning enables HeiQ to forge close ties with major producers and brands in India, capitalising on the country’s growing influence in the global textile arena.
How does HeiQ integrate sustainable practices into its textile technologies, and what benefits does this offer to manufacturers and consumers? Could you highlight any specific sustainable textile solutions developed by HeiQ that have gained traction in the Indian market?
HeiQ’s unwavering commitment to sustainability permeates its textile technologies and solutions, offering a host of benefits for manufacturers and consumers alike. By incorporating eco-conscious practices into its innovations, HeiQ not only addresses environmental concerns but also delivers enhanced value. Rapid Polyester dyeing with HeiQ Clean Tech underscores HeiQ’s dedication to reducing the environmental footprint of textile manufacturing. HeiQ Smart Temp, HeiQ Mint, HeiQ Allergen Tech, and HeiQ Cool showcase the company’s capability to provide sustainable solutions that have gained significant traction in the Indian market. These innovations empower manufacturers to meet the increasing consumer demands for environmentally responsible products and added functional benefits.
HeiQ has been involved in various partnerships and collaborations. Can you share some examples of successful partnerships that have resulted in innovative textile solutions?
HeiQ’s successful partnerships have been instrumental in catalysing innovative textile solutions that redefine industry standards. Collaborations like Patagonia x HeiQ Mint, John Lewis & Partners x HeiQ Allergen Tech or Mammut x HeiQ Fresh exemplify HeiQ’s ability to co-create cutting-edge solutions with renowned industry leaders. These partnerships leverage HeiQ’s expertise to introduce products that combine functionality, sustainability, and performance, thus enhancing the overall value proposition for end consumers. The synergy between HeiQ and its brand and mill partners is a testament to the company’s collaborative spirit and capacity for innovation and co-creation along the value chain.
The demand for finished goods with advanced textile technologies is increasing. How does HeiQ support manufacturers in incorporating these technologies into their products effectively and efficiently?
HeiQ’s comprehensive support framework is designed to facilitate the seamless integration of advanced textile technologies for manufacturers. The company’s Global technical support team provides technical guidance tailored to specific regions, ensuring manufacturers have access to expertise that aligns with their unique requirements. Through key account management principles, HeiQ ensures transparent communication and effective collaboration with brands and mills. This approach, backed by a “four-eye” principle and robust service system, enables manufacturers to optimise their processes, enhance visibility across the value chain, and achieve cost-effective solutions. HeiQ’s commitment to manufacturers’ success drives the efficient incorporation of meaningful technologies.
In your opinion, what are the key opportunities and challenges for the adoption of textile technologies in India, and how is HeiQ positioned to address them?
The Indian textile industry stands at the edge of significant opportunities and challenges in the field of technology adoption. The decentralisation from production in China presents India with a unique chance to absorb the capacity requirements of global brands and retailers, positioning the country as a crucial manufacturing hub. The normalisation of Indian cotton prices further augments this potential by ensuring competitive pricing. However, challenges persist, such as aligning with necessary turnaround times and addressing price challenges related to polyester and polyester-filled goods. HeiQ’s strategic positioning allows it to navigate these opportunities and challenges effectively, drive industry wide change and leveraging its expertise to contribute to India’s textile technology evolution.
As the textile industry moves towards circular economy practices, what steps has HeiQ taken to ensure its technologies align with these principles and contribute to a more sustainable textile ecosystem?
HeiQ’s dedication to a sustainable textile ecosystem is exemplified through its long-standing adherence to recognised industry standards such as ZDHC, Bluesign, and Oeko tex. By ensuring full compliance with these standards, HeiQ demonstrates its commitment to environmentally responsible practices throughout the product lifecycle. Additionally, HeiQ continues to drive innovation with the introduction of game-changing circular and sustainable technologies like HeiQ AeoniQ. These advancements align with circular economy principles by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in textile technology and contributing to a more sustainable and regenerative industry ecosystem.
Looking ahead, what are HeiQ’s future plans and focus areas in terms of textile technologies, sustainability, and market expansion, particularly in India and other emerging textile markets?
HeiQ’s overarching goal is to improve the lives of billions of people globally, particularly in densely populated regions where innovative materials solutions are urgently needed. This aspiration reflects HeiQ’s commitment to creating tangible positive impacts in everyday life. Looking ahead, HeiQ’s future plans encompass an unwavering dedication to advancing textile technologies, sustainability practices, and market expansion. The company’s strategic focus on India and emerging textile markets stems from the recognition of India’s growing influence and its potential to drive positive change in the industry. By introducing innovative solutions and fostering collaborations, HeiQ aims to be a driving force in bringing brand-nominated business to India and shaping the textile landscape for a more sustainable and prosperous future with its partners. India is a key market in achieving that goal.
