Nibertex is a deep-tech textile startup revolutionizing the global performance fabrics industry with its breakthrough PFAS-free waterproof and breathable membranes. Founded in the Philippines in 2019 by brothers Jae H. Park and Jae M. Park, Nibertex’s electrospun nanofiber technology is designed to create high-performance, sustainable alternatives to the toxic forever chemicals used in most existing water-resistant textiles.
What Is Nibertex?
Nibertex develops and manufactures eco-friendly membranes and composites that combine exceptional waterproofing with breathability, comfort, and durability. Their signature product, a PFAS-free electrospun polyurethane (ePU) membrane, competes directly with category leaders like GORE-TEX, targeting global brands in technical textiles, outdoor apparel, healthcare, filtration, and beyond.
Their membranes are described as three times lighter than PFAS alternatives, twelve times more abrasion-resistant, stretchable in four directions, and unfazed by heat or cold. Crucially, Nibertex offers these advantages without compromising performance or sustainability, positioning itself as the new industry standard.
How Does Nibertex Work?
- Proprietary Electrospinning Technology: Nibertex uses a unique hybrid electrospinning process, which creates membranes thinner than a single wavelength of light. This nanospun structure creates microscopic pores: it blocks water, yet allows sweat vapor to escape, delivering the comfort, silence, and flexibility that modern consumers demand.
- PFAS-Free Innovation: Unlike most waterproof membranes, Nibertex’s ePU technology does not use or emit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are toxic, persistent in the environment, and now banned or restricted in the EU, California, and New York.
- Performance at Scale: Their two advanced manufacturing facilities in the Philippines can deliver eco-innovation at global scale, serving sportswear, firefighter and PPE applications, even medical wound care and automotive uses.
- Industry Partnerships: Already, Nibertex supplies membranes to major outdoor, fashion, and technical textile brands, with adoption growing in Europe, North America, and Asia. When you walk into stores like Patagonia, North Face, or Nike, we want our fabric brand to be right there on the shelf, Jae H. Park explained.
- R&D Platform: The core technology is also being leveraged for advanced filtration, EV battery components, EMI shields, and wound dressings, signaling truly horizontal future potential.
Origin Story and Founders
Nibertex’s founding reflects both personal conviction and industry expertise.
Brothers Jae H. Park and Jae M. Park grew up in Manila, surrounded by the textile industry. Their father ran textile businesses; both brothers witnessed the chemical burden attached to performance fabrics in rainwear, medical PPE, and more.
After advanced study in engineering, materials science, and business (including stints in Korea and Los Angeles), Jae H. and Jae M. reunited in the Philippines to develop their own sustainable nanofiber process, committing almost five years to R&D and commercialization. They hired a world-class technical team, recruited advisors like former GORE-TEX executives, and worked doggedly at their Cavite plant to go beyond proof-of-concept and into mass manufacturing.
How Much Has Nibertex Raised?
Nibertex has secured more than $11 million USD in investment as of 2025.
- Pre-Series A round (early 2025): Undisclosed multi-million dollar capital from Foxmont Capital Partners, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Ventures, and leading regional family offices. Funds are being used to expand production and accelerate R&D.
- Series A round (summer 2025): $7 million led by TNB Aura, with existing participation from ADB, Foxmont, and Faircrest Holding.
This capital is earmarked for expanding manufacturing lines, scaling market partnerships, and research into new applications (especially medical, PPE, and automotive).
Nibertex is also eyeing $100 million in annual revenue by 2030, powered by regulatory tailwinds and the demand for safer materials.
Market Impact and Road Ahead
Demand for PFAS-free textiles is surging as bans on forever chemicals hit key markets. Nibertex sits at the forefront of this transition, supplying:
- Major outdoor and fashion brands,
- Specialized firefighter, sports, and military uniform makers,
- Auto, home, and medical sectors in search of smarter, greener materials.
Backed by technology that sets new industry standards, Nibertex has quickly become the sustainability partner of choice for global labels looking to future-proof supply chains, comply with new laws, and respond to conscious consumers.
Future Outlook
Nibertex is a deep-tech startup whose science, story, and global impact all align. By combining Filipino materials expertise, Korean innovation, and climate-centered values, the Park brothers have created a brand reshaping performance textiles for the 21st century, and maybe a lot more.
