As global restrictions on PFAS accelerate, Niber Technologies is expanding its PFAS-free membrane platform to help apparel brands comply with new environmental regulations without sacrificing waterproofing or breathability.
The company says its electrospun nanofiber technology was designed from the outset to eliminate PFAS rather than replace them as an afterthought.
The announcement comes ahead of significant regulatory changes, including the European Union’s REACH PFHxA restriction, which takes effect in October 2026, alongside France’s Loi 2025-188 and an increasing number of US state-level restrictions.
These measures are driving demand for alternative membrane technologies that deliver comparable technical performance while removing reliance on persistent “forever chemicals.”
Niber believes its manufacturing platform offers that solution. By engineering membranes at the nanofibre level, the company claims it can achieve high levels of water resistance, moisture management and lightweight performance while remaining completely PFAS-free, positioning the technology for outdoor clothing, sportswear and other performance textiles.
Demand grows for PFAS-free membrane technology
PFAS have been widely used in waterproof and stain-resistant textiles for decades because of their durability and water-repellent properties.
However, the chemicals persist in the environment, accumulating in soil, water and living organisms, prompting regulators across the world to introduce stricter controls.
For textile manufacturers, these regulations present a significant challenge. Many replacement materials require compromises, such as reduced breathability, increased weight or lower water resistance.
Niber says its technology was developed specifically to avoid those trade-offs. Rather than relying on chemical coatings, its approach uses electrospinning to create ultra-fine fibres that can be engineered to deliver the required balance of waterproofing, vapour transmission and flexibility.
Built around electrospun nanofibres
Founded in 2019 by brothers Jaemin and Jaehyung Park, Niber has focused on turning electrospinning into an industrial-scale manufacturing process.
The company is incorporated in Singapore, with research, development and production facilities in the Philippines, and supplies customers across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Its membranes are manufactured using nanofibres measuring from approximately 450 nanometres in diameter.
This level of precision allows the structure of the membrane to be adjusted for different applications, enabling manufacturers to tailor breathability, water resistance and fabric weight for individual products.
According to the company, the membranes achieve a moisture vapour resistance (RET) value as low as one, supporting rapid moisture transfer for high-performance garments.
Standard membranes withstand water pressures above 3,000 mmH₂O, while laminated versions exceed 10,000 mmH₂O for applications requiring greater waterproof protection.
The membranes are also designed to remain lightweight, with weights ranging from 3 to 14 grams per square metre, making them suitable for two-layer, three-layer and bonded fabric constructions.
Investment supports international expansion
To support commercial growth, Niber has secured more than $11m in institutional funding, including a Series A investment backed by TNB Aura and the Asian Development Bank.
The company describes itself as Southeast Asia’s first industrial-scale manufacturer of PFAS-free electrospun nanofiber membranes.
The business says its focus remains on scaling manufacturing capacity while helping brands prepare for tightening environmental legislation.
BASF collaboration showcases commercial potential
Niber’s technology has already been demonstrated in a prototype outdoor jacket developed using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) supplied by BASF.
The garment was showcased by BASF during CHINAPLAS 2026 in Shanghai, highlighting how the PFAS-free membrane can be integrated into commercial apparel.
Niber says its use of BASF’s TPU also supports greater supply chain traceability, aligning with growing industry expectations around material transparency and sustainability.
With PFAS restrictions continuing to expand across major markets, demand for compliant performance materials is expected to increase.
Companies that can deliver high-performing alternatives without relying on fluorinated chemistry are likely to play an increasingly important role as the textile industry adapts to a changing regulatory landscape.
