RETEX is an important Czech technology company with a long tradition. The company produces products with high added value from recycled materials.
Interview with Robert Šimek, CEO of RETEX.
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Robert Šimek: We are a technological company that has become synonymous with nonwovens. We focus on producing products with high added value using recycled materials. All our textiles are based on the principles of a waste-free economy. We are a supplier of materials for famous brands from the automotive industry. Our textiles are ideal for trains, trams, buses, home appliances as washing machines, dishwashers, dryers etc. Our products for the construction industry are in high demand, and we also offer innovative materials for green solution in countryside, landscaping and agriculture, healthcare, the security industry, footwear or furniture.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
R.Š: As main activities can be considered production of:
- Green solution for retaining water and fighting the draught
- Insulation – both acoustic and thermal
- Technical textiles
- Textiles for automotive industry
- Geotextiles
What’s the news about new products/services?
R.Š: We really focus on research and development. This is carried out together with Czech and foreign universities and research institutions. We hold a number of patents that protect our products in the Czech Republic and around the world. Concerning news about products developed in last few years, we can mention:
Envizol Train – The product is made from recycled polyester fibres with a special treatment. The uniqueness of the material lies primarily in the use of special non-flammable fibres and the method of its laying. The Envizol Train achieves highest hazard level.
Mepar – the material is suitable for the protective textile layers of train, tram or bus seats, which will have a significantly longer service.
Untex VSS – the high durability of the material is ensured by recycled aramid fibres. In addition to serving as a protective layer, it also creates a softening effect. This will be especially appreciated by manufacturers of leather upholstery.
Aquadesk – a comprehensive solution for all about gardening and planting. It is retention desk that can retain huge amount of water. It is made from recycled materials material without chemicals adjustments
Enviret N – It is retention and vegetation board made of recycled natural fibres. It has the ability to absorb a huge amount of water and at the same time nourish the plants, which it helps to take root in the most critical period of growth.
What are the ranges of products/services?
R.Š: Insulation – our advanced acoustic and thermal insulation materials have excellent parameters. These are suitable not only for modern trains or trams, but also for home appliances or building and construction industry.
Retention materials – for planting or landscaping are suitable for example for roofs, tram tracks, gardens, residential & family houses, schools & kindergartens, municipal buildings, brownfields, orchards, sports fields and playgrounds, golf courses, etc.
Technical textiles – our products find application in construction, furniture, footwear, packaging, but also in the medical or defense industries.
Automotive – we are a traditional manufacturer of nonwoven fabrics for this sector. We develop and produce materials with a wide range of mechanical or chemical finishes that significantly increase the utility of final products.
Geotextiles – these are used, for example, in the reconstruction of roads and highways, railway corridors, airports, tunnels, building foundations, and landfill restoration, as well as in industrial construction or the renovation and construction of family homes and apartment buildings.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
R.Š: We are currently active except Czech Republic within EU countries, in South and Northern Americas; we help to fight the draught in Israel and Near East. We are also present in Africa and Far East.
What can you tell us about market trends?
R.Š: Concerning non-woven and textile industry we see and follow these trends:
- Producing recycled materials based on the principles of waste-free economy. Generally – giving waste another life.
- Recycling in all circular economy contexts.
- Producing sophisticated materials with useful and high added value – for example – non flammable, durable and long lasting, retaining huge amount of water or filtering viruses and bacteria, resisting against puncturing, etc…
- Helping to fight the drought with the help of next-gen textiles
- Development of materials made of natural fibers such as jute, flax or kenaf
- Helping municipalities with the recycling of their waste and producing new materials on their basis
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
R.Š: Enviret N and Untex N – innovative retention boards that can be used in gardens, orchards, green lawns, urban green areas, green roofs, brownfields sports fields and playgrounds, etc.
What estimations do you have forth rest of 2024?
R.Š: Concerning the EU we perceive it as slightly positive but we suppose that the economic recovery will not last long and will have impact only on certain industries. As far as RETEX we see the rest of year also positive.