CEOs of Diklatex and Altenburg discuss innovation in the textile industry at a meeting in Joinville

Leadership teams from two major companies in Santa Catarina’s textile industry met in Joinville (SC) to discuss strategic topics regarding innovation, technology, sustainability, and product development. On Tuesday (14), Diklatex CEO André Jativa hosted Altenburg CEO Tiago Altenburg for a meeting that also brought together the product development and innovation teams from both companies.

Although they operate in different segments of the textile supply chain, Diklatex and Altenburg share similar challenges regarding new material development, applied research, and technological innovation. The agenda included discussions on the circular economy, sustainability, technological development, and trends driving the competitiveness of the Brazilian textile industry.

The meeting takes place at a time when Santa Catarina’s fashion industry—recognized as having one of the most comprehensive production chains in the country—is gaining strength. According to data from the Federation of Industries of the State of Santa Catarina (FIESC), the sector generates approximately R$ 40.3 billion annually and accounts for 12.1% of the state’s economy. It comprises over 10,000 industrial companies distributed across all regions of the state, responsible for one in five industrial jobs in Santa Catarina.

Against this backdrop, both companies have been increasing their investments in innovation. Diklatex recently launched its women’s Casual Tech® line, while Altenburg expanded its market presence with the Zu Wear brand.

Specializing in the development of high-tech fabrics for the sportswear, activewear, and Casual Tech® segments, Diklatex continuously invests in research, development, and sustainability. Its initiatives include projects focused on the circular economy, international certifications, energy efficiency, the use of recycled raw materials, and technologies that enhance product durability, comfort, and performance.

Meanwhile, Altenburg is a leading name in Latin America for bed and bath products—and pillows in particular. Under the leadership of Tiago Altenburg, a fourth-generation member of the founding family, the company is undergoing a new phase of expansion. In 2024, it sold approximately 14 million pillows, expanded its international footprint, and stepped up investments in innovation, governance, and sustainability.

With new stores scheduled to open in various regions of Brazil by the end of the year, Altenburg is also seeking to strengthen strategic partnerships aimed at developing solutions for sleep health.

“At first glance, Diklatex and Altenburg operate in quite different markets. Altenburg focuses on the bed, bath, and sleep segments, while Diklatex is known for high-performance fabrics for sportswear, activewear, and Casual Tech®. However, when we look at the consumer, we see a significant convergence between the two companies. Both seek to add functionality to their products through textile technology. In our case, that means developing solutions that contribute to sleep quality and personal well-being. Diklatex, meanwhile, applies this innovation to athletic performance and everyday apparel. Ultimately, we are working toward the same goal: using new technologies and materials to deliver greater product value and enhance the consumer experience,” notes Tiago Altenburg.

More than just a corporate visit, the meeting highlighted a trend increasingly prevalent in the textile industry: innovation is strengthened through the exchange of knowledge between companies that share similar challenges and opportunities.

“When companies that continuously invest in research and development come together, the primary outcome is the exchange of knowledge. Bringing together product development and innovation teams was a valuable opportunity to share experiences and broaden perspectives on solutions capable of strengthening the entire textile supply chain,” states André Jativa.

Beyond their institutional ties through organizations such as ABIT, FIESC, and Santa Catarina Moda e Cultura (SCMC), the two companies also share initiatives aimed at strengthening the Brazilian textile industry and keeping pace with global market shifts—including trade relations with China and other Asian nations.

For Tiago Altenburg, the visit also highlighted Diklatex’s specialization in research and development.

“What struck me most about Diklatex was precisely the company’s focus. It is a vertically integrated operation specializing in synthetic fibers, with consistent investment in innovation and technological development. That dedication is evident and explains the results the company has been achieving.”

In André Jativa’s assessment, Santa Catarina possesses conditions that foster technological development and collaboration among companies in the sector.

“Santa Catarina has built an environment extremely favorable to innovation in the textile industry. From gatherings organized by entities such as SCMC, FIESC, and ABIT to continuous investments in research, development, and innovation, initiatives like these reinforce the state’s leading role as a key Brazilian hub for generating technology for the textile industry.”

After hours of exchanging experiences among leadership and technical teams, one word summed up the meeting: synergy. The alignment between companies from different segments demonstrates how collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing contribute to strengthening the entire textile supply chain and boosting the competitiveness of the Brazilian industry.