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Lenzing becomes majority owner of TreeToTextile
Regenerated cellulosic fibres: Lenzing has announced it is acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step, the Austrian company says strengthens its position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood-based speciality fibres and expand its innovation pipeline with a scalable, patent-protected technology platform.
Established in 2014 by Swedish entrepreneur Lars Stigsson, TreeToTextile develops new, renewable and resource efficient cellulose fibres that minimises environmental impact by reducing chemical use and conserving water and energy. Its developments have been supported by its shareholders H&M Group, Inter IKEA Group, Stora Enso and LSCS Invest, which remain as minority shareholders of TreeToTextile.
The transaction enables an accelerated scaling of the new technology. Lenzing plans a significant increase in production output at the existing demonstration plant in Nymölla, Sweden, as well as the preparation of the first industrial scale facility.
Rieter completes Barmag acquisition
Textile machinery industry: Rieter, a Swiss leader in spinning technology, has successfully completed the acquisition of the Barmag Division of OC Oerlikon, as of 2 February 2026.
Rieter, in a LinkedIn post, says the acquisition will make it the “world’s leading system provider for natural and synthetic fibres”. Barmag will be consolidated as of 2 February and integrated in the Rieter Group as the ‘Man-Made Fiber’ Division.
The management of Barmag will remain with the company. Georg Stausberg will continue to lead the division and report to Thomas Oetterli, CEO of Rieter. At the same time, he will join the Group Executive Committee. The transaction is financed by the capital increase completed in October of last year as well as by long-term bank loans.
Sparxell raises US$5m
Plant-based technology: The investment supports Sparxell’s shift from pilot programmes to commercial-scale manufacturing, with tonne-scale production planned from 2026. The company uses cellulose and structural colour instead of synthetic dyes to create high-performance colours with significantly lower water use and no toxic inputs. Following pilot projects and early partnerships, Sparxell is now preparing to meet demand from fashion and beauty brands.
Sparxell has previously collaborated with Patrick McDowell and PANGAIA on plant-based, biodegradable colour applications.
eBay strikes $1.2bn deal for Depop
Secondhand fashion e-commerce: E-commerce giant eBay has agreed to buy second-hand fashion marketplace Depop from Etsy in a cash deal valued at about US$1.2 bn as it seeks to increase its appeal for younger shoppers. The transaction, announced in a joint statement by eBay and Etsy, is expected to close in Q2 of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Depop would retain its separate brand and platform.
Author: Abigail Turner, WTiN
