Natural Fiber Welding Secures Major Investment to Scale Plastic-Free Materials

By Matthew Richardson

PEORIA, Ill. – January 14, 2026 – In a significant move poised to accelerate the transition away from petroleum-based products, materials science pioneer Natural Fiber Welding Inc. (NFW) has secured a major strategic investment. The funding comes from a joint partnership between Provest Equity Partners, an Atlanta-based growth equity firm, and CTW Venture Partners, a venture capital firm specializing in transformative technologies.

This infusion of capital is designed to propel Peoria-based NFW into its next phase of growth, enabling the company to scale up production and accelerate the global commercialization of its innovative, low-carbon materials. The partnership arrives as industries from fashion to automotive face mounting pressure from both consumers and regulators to find viable, high-performance alternatives to the plastics and synthetics that have dominated manufacturing for decades.

The Science of a Post-Plastic World

At the heart of NFW's growing influence are its flagship material platforms: MIRUM®, an all-natural, completely plastic-free leather alternative, and PLIANT™, the world's first naturally cured performance rubber for applications like footwear outsoles. Unlike many so-called 'vegan leathers' that still rely on polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) binders and coatings, NFW’s materials are engineered from plant-based inputs and are fully biodegradable.

The company’s foundational technology, as its name suggests, involves a proprietary process that 'welds' natural fibers together at the molecular level. By using a unique solvent system, NFW can break down and reform the structure of plant matter—such as natural rubber, plant oils, and agricultural waste—to create durable, high-performance materials without using synthetic glues or petroleum-derived plastics. This patented process results in materials that not only match but can exceed the performance characteristics of their synthetic counterparts.

"This partnership marks an important inflection point for NFW, enabling us to continue our mission of bringing sustainable, performance materials to market," said Steve Zika, Chief Executive Officer of NFW. He emphasized the strategic alignment with the new investors, stating, "We are excited to partner with Provest, whose operator-driven approach and focus on disciplined scale align directly with what NFW needs as demand from global brand partners continues to accelerate."

A Market Ripe for Disruption

The timing for NFW's expansion could not be more opportune. The investment lands amidst a powerful convergence of market forces. On one side, consumer demand for sustainable products has reached a critical mass. Recent market studies show a significant majority of consumers, particularly in younger demographics like Millennials and Gen Z, are not only concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases but are actively willing to pay a premium for sustainable brands. According to a Nielsen study, 66% of global consumers and 73% of millennials express this willingness.

On the other side, a wave of stringent government regulations is tightening the screws on plastic production and waste. International efforts like the United Nations' ongoing negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty aim to manage the entire lifecycle of plastics, while regional policies like the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive are already enforcing bans and mandating recycled content. This regulatory landscape is forcing industries to urgently seek out and validate scalable, plastic-free alternatives, creating a powerful market pull for NFW's proven solutions.

The Architects of Scale

The joint investment is more than just a financial transaction; it represents a strategic fusion of expertise aimed at transforming scientific innovation into a profitable, industrial-scale reality. Provest Equity Partners brings a hands-on, 'operator-investor' model, leveraging deep experience in advanced manufacturing, operational systems, and industrial scale-up. This practical expertise is critical for a company like NFW as it transitions from a materials innovator to a global materials supplier.

"NFW exemplifies the type of platform we seek to support—breakthrough science paired with real industrial relevance," commented Suhas Uppalapati, who serves as Chairman of NFW and is the Managing Partner of Provest Equity Partners. "Our role is to translate innovation into scalable, profitable growth, and we are excited to partner with NFW and CTW as the company enters its next phase."

Complementing Provest's industrial prowess is CTW Venture Partners, a firm with a strong track record in scaling climate-tech and materials-science platforms. CTW’s philosophy centers on backing companies with the potential to 'Change The World,' focusing on disruptive technologies with global commercial viability. Together, the partners will guide NFW in strengthening its unit economics, enhancing its supply chain, and accelerating commercial contracts.

From Blue-Chip Partners to Global Mainstream

NFW is not starting from scratch. The company has already attracted an impressive roster of brand partners and strategic investors who have validated its technology, including BMW iVentures, Ralph Lauren Corporation, Allbirds, and Asahi Kasei. These collaborations have demonstrated the real-world applicability of MIRUM® and PLIANT™ in demanding sectors like luxury fashion, footwear, and automotive interiors.

The new investment will build on this foundation, enabling NFW to fulfill accelerating demand and deepen its penetration into these core markets. The focus will be on operational execution—ensuring that as orders scale, the company can maintain quality, control costs, and deliver reliably. By improving manufacturing efficiency and supply chain resilience, NFW aims to make its sustainable materials not just an ethical choice, but a compelling business decision for global brands.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to decarbonize and move toward a circular economy, the success of companies like Natural Fiber Welding becomes a critical benchmark. This strategic partnership represents a powerful endorsement of a future where high-performance products are no longer dependent on fossil fuels, proving that what is good for the planet can also be great for business.