What Texon International Group does

Texon International Group is a UK-headquartered global manufacturer and distributor of structural footwear components and sustainable performance materials, founded in 1946 and operating from manufacturing sites in the UK, Germany, Italy, China, Vietnam, and India with sales coverage in over 90 countries. The company's product portfolio centers on heel counters, toe puffs, insoles, uppers, linings, shank boards, and tongues/collars — the hidden structural elements inside footwear — alongside cellulose-based materials (Vogue, Verde) for fashion accessories and stationery, and technical fabrics for functional apparel. Core proprietary technologies include ProWeave (a patented jacquard weaving process enabling functional and design zones within a single woven sheet), Reform 2.0 (the world's first closed-loop heel counter with up to 66% sustainably sourced content), Ecostrobe (a 100% recycled insole using fusion-bonding technology that eliminates chemicals and water), and Sportflex Bio (a carbon-negative toe puff made from sugar-cane-derived inputs).

Texon operates a B2B supplier business model, selling directly to global footwear, accessories, and apparel manufacturers through enterprise field sales and an extensive distributor network across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Americas. Pricing is quote-based rather than published, and revenue is generated through one-time component sales across multiple product categories. The customer base spans athletic (e.g., Umbro), casual, dress, outdoor, safety, and luxury footwear brands, as well as fashion accessories and lifestyle brands (e.g., IKEA x Virgil Abloh MARKERAD collaboration). Following its July 2022 acquisition by Coats Group plc, Texon operates as part of the Coats Footwear Division alongside Rhenoflex, strengthening its commercial reach in the athleisure footwear segment while retaining its 75-year heritage and sustainability-led product strategy targeting 50% carbon footprint reduction, 90% recyclable waste, and 20% water use reduction by 2025.

Name

Texon International Group

Legal name

Texon International Group Limited

Website

https://texon.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Texon International Group is a UK-founded (1946) global manufacturer of structural footwear components and sustainable performance materials, selling heel counters, toe puffs, insoles, and proprietary jacquard-woven fabrics to footwear, accessories, and apparel brands across 90+ countries. It now operates within Coats Group's Footwear Division following a 2022 acquisition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Footwear components and performance materials

NAICS

Footwear Manufacturing (3162), Footwear Manufacturing (31621), Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (3152), Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (except Contractors) (315250)

SIC

Footwear, (No Rubber) (3140), Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300), Knitting Mills (2250), Leather & Leather Products (3100)

akta.pro primary industry

Footwear Components & Subassemblies Manufacturing (Soles/Heels/Insocks/Outsoles/Uppers) (IMAOAIAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Footwear Components & Materials (Uppers, Soles, Laces, Insoles) (CRAAACAK), Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Footwear (CRAAACAH), Casual & Lifestyle Footwear (CRAAACAB), Outdoor & Performance Footwear Manufacturing (Hiking/Trekking/Trail) (IMAOAIAE)

Keywords

• Footwear structural components
• Heel counters toe puffs
• Cellulose leather alternative
• Jacquard weaving fabrics
• Recycled material insoles

Headquarters

HQ city

Saltburn-by-the-sea

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Structural Footwear Components: Sale of structural components including heel counters, toe puffs, insoles, tongues, collars, and shank boards to footwear manufacturers worldwide.
2. Technical Fabrics and Materials: Sale of woven and non-woven technical fabrics including ProWeave jacquard fabrics, uppers, linings, and functional apparel materials.
3. Cellulose Solutions: Sale of cellulose-based materials including Vogue and Verde for accessories, stationery, bags, and fashion applications.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Texon designs, manufactures, and distributes structural footwear components (heel counters, toe puffs, insoles, shank boards, tongues & collars, uppers & linings), the patented ProWeave jacquard-woven performance fabric platform, and washable cellulose materials (Vogue, Verde) used as leather alternatives. The company sells these branded B2B materials solutions to global footwear manufacturers, fashion accessories brands, and functional apparel companies, with a strong emphasis on recycled content, bio-based inputs, and closed-loop recyclability. Now operating as part of the Coats Footwear Division, Texon serves customers across more than 90 countries from manufacturing sites in Europe and Asia.

Product overview

Texon International Group, now operating under the Coats Footwear Division, is a global manufacturer and distributor of structural footwear components, performance fabrics, and sustainable materials. The company offers an extensive portfolio of products organized into footwear components (heel counters, toe puffs, insoles, box toe puffs, shank boards, tongues & collars, uppers & linings), accessories (tags & labels, bags & belts, stationery), and functional apparel. Key branded products include ProWeave (patented jacquard weaving technology), Vogue (washable cellulose leather alternative), Reform 2.0 (sustainable heel counter), Ecostrobe (100% recycled insole), Sportflex Bio/Eco (sustainable toe puffs), Kabru (recycled strobel insole), and Verde (biobased cellulose). The company focuses on sustainability with products containing recycled content, bio-based materials, and closed-loop recyclability. Manufacturing operations span Europe and Asia with distribution in over 90 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ProWeave: A unique patented jacquard weaving technology that enables seamless integration of functional and design weaving into single materials for footwear, apparel, fashion and luxury goods industries.
• Vogue
• Reform 2.0
• Ecostrobe
• Verde
• Sportflex Bio
• Force XE
• Kabru
• Ecoline
• Halo

Products and services

• ProWeave Patented jacquard weaving technology that seamlessly integrates functional and design weaving into a single sheet of material, creating different elasticity, tenacity and abrasion zones within the same weave for performance fabrics in footwear, apparel, fashion and luxury goods.
• Vogue Washable, printable cellulose material serving as a vegan-friendly alternative to leather, available in wide variety of colours, thickness and finishes (Vintex, Saratoga, Nakoda, Silk, Derby, Shine, Buffalo Stark, Colortex, Luxury). FSC and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified and Vegan Trademark authorized.
• Reform 2.0 100% recyclable thermoplastic heel counter containing up to 66% sustainably sourced material (including renewable pine tree resin) and offering 11% reduced carbon footprint versus predecessor. Suitable for athletic, casual, dress, outdoor and safety shoes; the world's first closed-loop counter.
• Ecostrobe First insole made with 100% recycled content, produced using recycled PET and fusion-bonding technology that completely removes the need for chemicals or water. 20% lighter than comparable products, requires 50% less energy, and diverts approximately 2.1 million bottles from landfill per million pairs of shoes.
• Sportflex Bio Carbon-negative toe puff made from minimum 69% sustainably sourced material including sugar cane, with 48% CO2 reduction versus previous generation. Provides well-defined shape with soft touch and excellent shape retention.
• Sportflex Eco Toe puff made from at least 63% sustainably sourced material using industrial waste. Provides soft, flexible toes for use in lightweight footwear including deconstructed athletic shoes.
• Kabru Bi-layered non-woven strobel insole with cushioned design enabling foam-free construction. Single chemistry ensures recyclability with 'hook-bonded' base and padded felt; up to 83% recycled content, certified to GRS standard.
• Halo Heel counters made from recycled bottle tops containing 50% recycled content. Self-adhesive 'net' waste-free structural reinforcement solution providing firm resilience with excellent formability and bonding.
• Force XE High-performance extruded heel counter designed for long runs. Waterproof and fully recyclable, with up to 65% recycled content, ideal for waterproof footwear.
• Ecoline Closed-loop insole made with 85% recycled content using fusion-bonding technology that removes the need for chemicals or water. Thinner and lighter non-woven material equal in strength and performance, ideal for cement construction.
• Ecosole 100 Lightweight, economical and ecological cellulose insole made from recycled cellulose fibres using zero dyes. Designed for comfort and versatility in athletic, casual and dress shoes.
• X8R-EPM5 Recyclable thermoplastic extruded film material delivering high-performance toe parts with excellent shape. Contains minimum 50% sustainable input and up to 66% recycled content, with 31% reduced carbon footprint versus predecessor. Suitable for footwear and reinforcement in bags, cases, belts and wallets.
• Texon Enigma Zero Series Non-metallic anti-penetration insole materials designed to deflect sharp objects such as tacks and nails. Certified to meet CSA, ASTM, EN12568:2010, and EN ISO 22568:2021 standards. Includes HT3, HT Green, HT2, T427, and T527 variants.
• Texon T-Nova High-performance waterproof and breathable textile with three-layer construction and brushed finish. Provides abrasion resistance and breathability through microporous membrane; suitable for outdoor apparel and footwear.
• Texon No-Tear Series New generation of chainsaw-resistant fabrics offering complete protection in safety boots and clothing. Made with multiple layers of polyester HT and aramid fibers, reaching EN ISO 17249:2014 Levels 1, 2, and 3.
• Verde Circular cellulose solution with up to 90% bio-based content, biodegradable at end of life, made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. Used in bags, luggage, belts, stationery, and fashion accessories.
• Functional Apparel Materials Technical fabric portfolio designed to stretch, breathe and adapt for performance, outdoor, industrial, and luxury apparel applications. Includes ProWeave jacquard fabrics, Aquiline Excite linings, Texon T-Nova waterproof breathable textiles, and certified safety fabrics.

Quantifiable outcome

• 27% reduction in yearly GHG emissions intensity (2015 baseline)
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• UmbroflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 2022Umbro integrated Texon's ProWeave jacquard weaving technology into its Velocita Alchemist football boots - a first in the sports sector. ProWeave is being used exclusively in the football boot sector by Umbro until 2023. Collaboration continues with Umbro's Speed Silo for Autumn/Winter 2022.
• IKEAflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2019Texon Vogue washable paper was used in the IKEA x Virgil Abloh MARKERAD collection, including the iconic brown IKEA bag stamped SCULPTURE. The collaboration launched in November 2019.
• PRS PoolingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 10-year partnership with PRS Pooling for sustainable pallet pooling solutions. PRS was created in 1997 to provide full-service sustainable pallet pooling. Texon's Skelton site receives approximately 80 PRS pallets monthly, with pallets collected for reuse - saving trees (one tree saved for every seven pallets collected).

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rhenoflex: Synthetic reinforcement and footwear component manufacturer (toe puffs, heel counters, laminates) operating as a sister company to Texon within the Coats Footwear Division. Directly comparable as both companies supply structural components to global footwear OEMs with similar product portfolios and customers.
• Freudenberg Performance Materials: A global manufacturer of nonwovens, interlinings, and engineered materials for footwear, apparel, and automotive end-markets. Highly comparable to Texon's structural footwear component, insole, and lining offerings, and competes for the same footwear OEM customers.
• Tiong Liong Corporation: Taiwan-based manufacturer of technical textiles, laminates, and footwear components including uppers, linings, and water-resistant fabrics. Direct competitor to Texon's ProWeave and Aquiline lines in supplying branded athletic and outdoor footwear.
• Hong Kong Polymers / Kingmaker: Hong Kong-based manufacturer of footwear structural components (heel counters, toe puffs, insoles, shank boards) and EVA/rubber soles. Direct comparable to Texon's core footwear components business serving global athletic and casual footwear brands.
• Sinterama: European producer of polyester and technical yarns serving automotive, footwear, and apparel applications. Comparable to Texon as a yarn/textile-input supplier into footwear uppers, linings, and reinforcement materials.

Broad incumbents

• BASF: Global chemicals incumbent with a sizable footwear materials division producing polyurethanes, TPU, and specialty coatings/solutions for major shoe brands. Overlaps with Texon in performance materials for footwear and increasingly in sustainable/bio-based material platforms.
• INVISTA (Cordura): Producer of high-performance nylon 6,6 fibres and technical fabrics (Cordura) widely used in footwear uppers, linings, and outdoor apparel. Comparable to Texon's ProWeave and Aquiline product lines serving athletic and functional apparel customers.
• W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore-Tex): Manufacturer of expanded PTFE membranes and technical textiles (Gore-Tex) used in waterproof footwear uppers and functional apparel. Comparable to Texon's waterproof uppers/linings business (e.g., Texon T-Nova) for outdoor and performance footwear.
• Eastman Chemical Company (Naia): Specialty chemical company whose Naia cellulosic yarn is positioned as a sustainable fibre for apparel and home textiles. Comparable to Texon Vogue and Verde as competing cellulose-based sustainable material platforms targeting fashion and apparel brands.

Regional players

• Borrachas Nordeste: Latin American manufacturer of EVA, rubber soles, and structural footwear components serving brands produced in Brazil and South America. Regionally comparable peer to Texon's structural footwear components business; competes more in Mercosur than in EMEA/APAC where Texon is strongest.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/texoninternational
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Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Texon International Group