Matex

What Matex does

Matex International Limited is a Singapore-headquartered specialty chemicals company founded on 30 September 1989 by Dr Alex Tan Pang Kee and listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange main board since February 2004. The company manufactures, formulates, and sells dyestuffs (reactive, disperse, acid, direct) and textile auxiliaries for the global textile, paper, leather, and polymer industries. Three manufacturing plants in China, one in Ipoh (Malaysia), and a Singapore engineering and trading hub support sales to customers in more than 50 countries, with a reactive-dye capacity of approximately 30,000 tonnes per annum — slightly under 10% of global reactive-dye consumption.

Matex's competitive position is anchored by its "clean color science" technology stack. The Megapro family of sustainable dye systems — Megapro RE (low-temperature reactive dyeing at 40°C, cutting dyeing time by 33% and water usage by 25%), Megapro CF (alkaline-stable disperse dyes for polyester/cotton blends), and Megapro ECO (salt-free reactive cotton dyeing that eliminates TDS/COD/BOD effluent load) — is paired with Megafix reactive dyes (including Megafix Black Super) and Megaspec specialty ranges. The portfolio is qualified under Bluesign, OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT Level 3, ZDHC MRSL 2.0, Intertek Green Leaf Mark, ETAD membership, REACH compliance, and LowCarbonSG participation. Under an exclusive Asian partnership with Swiss innovator HeiQ, Matex distributes the HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 antiviral/antimicrobial treatment (99.99% SARS-CoV-2 reduction), extending the platform into masks, jackets, bedding, and coatings.

Matex runs a hybrid B2B/B2C commercial model. The core B2B specialty chemicals business is sold directly to enterprise textile mills and brand-aligned manufacturers via quote-based, multi-year engagements, supported by regional distributors (notably Nazer & Co. for Pakistan) and channel partners such as ST Engineering, AKEMI, Coolmate, PROX, EADECO GROUP, and Berger Paints India; technical sales engineers and application development services reinforce these accounts. The B2C arm was launched via a Shopify e-store in October 2021 and extended across Amazon, Lazada, and Shopee Singapore, distributing Mebyo probiotic cleaners, HeiQ Viroblock-powered masks and sanitizing creams, water-repellent sprays, and tie-dye kits. Matex employs 101–250 people and remains founder-controlled, with Dr Alex Tan Pang Kee as CEO and Managing Director and Dro Tan as Executive Director since 2010; no external private equity or venture funding is reflected in the input data.

Name

Matex

Legal name

Matex International Limited

Website

https://matex.com.sg

Company type

Public

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Matex International Limited is a Singapore-headquartered, SGX-listed specialty chemicals company that manufactures and formulates reactive, disperse, and specialty dyestuffs plus auxiliaries for global textile, paper, leather, and polymer manufacturers, while also distributing HeiQ Viroblock-powered consumer hygiene products to end users through its e-store and Singapore marketplaces.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Chemicals (Dyestuffs and Textile Auxiliaries)

NAICS

Synthetic Dye and Pigment Manufacturing (32513)

SIC

Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860)

akta.pro primary industry

Coating & Finishing Chemicals Application (Resins/Softening/Water-Repellent/FR/Antimicrobial) (IMAOACAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Hand Sanitizers & Antibacterial Personal Care (CRADANAI)

Keywords

• Specialty dyestuffs manufacturing
• Textile chemicals
• Sustainable dyeing solutions
• Reactive and disperse dyes
• Antiviral textile treatments

Headquarters

HQ city

Singapore

HQ country

Singapore

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Specialty Chemicals (Dyes & Auxiliaries): Manufacturing, formulation, and sale of specialty chemicals including dyestuffs (reactive dyes, disperse dyes) and auxiliaries for textile, paper, leather, and polymer industries. Core B2B revenue stream sold directly to manufacturers and through distributors globally.
2. B2C Consumer Products: Direct-to-consumer sales of branded products including Mebyo probiotic cleaning solutions, face masks (multi-technology functionality performance washable masks, Hi-Tech disposable anti-bacteria stylish face masks), water repellent sprays, and sanitizing products through e-commerce channels.
3. E-commerce & Marketplace Sales: Sales through proprietary e-store (eshop.matex.com.sg), Amazon, Lazada, and Shopee marketplaces.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Matex manufactures, formulates, and sells specialty chemicals — principally dyestuffs (reactive dyes, disperse dyes, specialty blacks) and textile auxiliaries — for textile, paper, leather, and polymer manufacturers globally. Its proprietary Megapro family enables sustainable dyeing (low-temperature 40°C reactive, alkaline-stable disperse, and salt-free processes), while a growing B2C line sells branded probiotic cleaners, antiviral masks and hygiene products through e-commerce.

Product overview

Matex is a Singapore-based specialty chemicals company (incorporated 1989, listed on SGX since 2004) focused on clean color science technologies for the textile industry. The core product portfolio centers on the Megapro family of sustainable dyeing solutions: Megapro RE (low-temperature reactive dyes at 40°C), Megapro CF (alkaline-stable disperse dyes for polyester blends), and Megapro ECO (salt-free cotton dyeing). Supporting products include Megafix reactive dyes (Megafix RE, Megafix ECO, Megafix Black Super) and Megaspec specialty dyes. The company operates an integrated model combining dyestuffs, auxiliaries, and application services with a global manufacturing footprint (3 plants in China) and sales in over 50 countries. Beyond B2B specialty chemicals, Matex has expanded into B2C products including Mebyo probiotic cleaning solutions, water repellent sprays, and performance masks. The company partners with HeiQ for antiviral textile technologies (Viroblock, MetalliQ) and sells these through its E-Store e-commerce platform and marketplace channels (Amazon, Lazada, Shopee).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Megapro: Eco-friendly dye and system including Megapro RE (low temperature reactive dyes) and Megapro ECO (salt-free dyeing process)
• Megafix
• Mebyo
• Megaperse
• Megaspec

Products and services

• Megapro RE System Low-temperature reactive dye system for cotton and natural fibers enabling dyeing at 40°C; reduces dyeing time by 33% and water usage by 25% compared with conventional high-temperature processes. Sold to textile mills and brand supply chains globally.
• Megapro CF System Alkaline-stable disperse dye system for polyester and polyester-cotton blends, capable of dyeing in both alkaline and acidic mediums; saves total bath count and processing time. Sold to textile mills.
• Megapro ECO Salt-free reactive dye exhaust dyeing process for cotton. Eliminates salt from the dye bath, reduces water and energy use, and lowers effluent treatment costs while meeting ZDHC MRSL and stringent TDS/COD/BOD standards. Sold to textile mills and brand supply chains.
• Megafix ECO Eco-friendly reactive dye used in the Megapro ECO salt-free process; enables 30-minute dyeing at 60°C (vs 45–60 minute conventional) and requires 2–3 wash-off baths instead of 5–6. Sold to textile mills.
• Megafix RE Low-temperature reactive dyestuff for cotton and naturals with improved wash-off and enhanced fastness properties; supports 40°C dyeing. Sold to textile mills.
• Megafix Black Super High-performance black reactive dye with superior color strength and fastness properties for textile applications, including super-strength high-fastness blacks for CPB and continuous processes for home textiles. Sold to textile mills.
• Megaspec MP Range Specialty dyestuff performance colorant range for textile coloration applications. Sold to textile mills.
• Mebyo Probiotic Solution (Economic Pro) B2C probiotic-based household and commercial cleaning product. Sold directly to consumers through the Matex e-store and third-party marketplaces.
• Mebyo Diaomite Probiotic-based cleaning product utilizing diatomaceous earth for enhanced cleaning performance. Sold directly to consumers through the Matex e-store and marketplaces.
• Water Repellent Spray Consumer-facing water repellent spray for textile protection. Sold directly to consumers via the Matex e-store and marketplaces.
• Multi-Technology Functionality Performance Washable Mask Reusable washable face mask with multiple technology functionalities including antiviral and antibacterial protection (powered by HeiQ Viroblock). Sold directly to consumers via the Matex e-store and marketplaces.
• Hi-Tech Disposable Anti Bacteria Stylish Face Mask Single-use disposable face mask with antibacterial properties and stylish design. Sold directly to consumers via the Matex e-store and marketplaces.
• Viroblock Hygenizer Antiviral and anti-bacterial textile treatment combining silver and vesicle technologies; provides protection against viruses and bacteria on textile surfaces. Sold to consumers and partners via the Matex e-store.
• Sani:Cream with HeiQ Viroblock Moisturizing hand sanitizer cream enriched with HeiQ Viroblock antiviral technology, combining hydration with antiviral protection for sensitive skin. Sold to consumers via the Matex e-store.
• Matex Tie-Dye Kit Consumer do-it-yourself tie-dye kit for creative textile design projects. Sold directly to consumers via the Matex e-store and marketplaces.
• Wet-Chemical Analyser Chemical analysis instrument for water testing and process monitoring in textile dyeing operations. Used by industrial textile customers for quality control.

Quantifiable outcome

• Megapro RE reduces dyeing time by 33% and water used by 25% compared to conventional processes
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HeiQcoreTechnology or IntegrationHeiQ is a Swiss textile technology innovator and Matex's Official Partner for Asia. HeiQ Viroblock antiviral/antimicrobial textile treatment is distributed by Matex across Asian markets. The technology has been applied to over 1 billion products globally and was awarded the Swiss Technology Award 2020. HeiQ Viroblock is proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 with 99.99% virus reduction. HeiQ MetalliQ (copper vapor deposition technology), HeiQ AeoniQ (climate-positive yarn), and other HeiQ platforms are also part of the partnership. The relationship is exclusive for certain Asian markets.
• Bluesign SystemcoreTechnology or IntegrationMatex has been a Bluesign System Partner since March 2018. Bluesign unites the textile supply chain to reduce impact on people and the environment through Input Stream Management — eliminating risky substances from the beginning of production. Bluesign certification is a key trust signal for global brands requiring sustainable chemical inputs.
• ETAD (Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyes and Organic Pigment Manufacturers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerETAD is the independent international association for colorant manufacturers. Matex is a regular ETAD member supporting its vision of safer colorants. Membership demonstrates commitment to quality and safety standards for dyes and organic pigments globally.
• ZDHC (Roadmap to Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMatex partners ZDHC as a formulator committed to the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals initiative. Products conform to ZDHC MRSL requirements and are accessible through ZDHC Gateway. Partnership focuses on advancing safer chemical management standards across the textile supply chain.
• ADIF (Asia Dyestuff Industry Federation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADIF represents dyestuff associations and manufacturers across Asia, accounting for 80% of worldwide dyestuff production capacity. Matex joined as a key contributor to represent and promote Asian colorant industry interests and accelerate sustainable chemical management uptake across the region.
• OEKO-TEXcoreTechnology or IntegrationMatex obtained OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT Level 3 certification (March 2020), an independent certification system for chemicals, colourants, and auxiliaries used in textile and leather production. Products are tested for harmful substances in critical concentrations, providing transparent proof of ecological responsibility.
• Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGCNS is the national lead agency promoting corporate sustainability and the Singapore chapter of UN Global Compact. Matex is a member and has pledged support for SDGs 3, 6, 11, and 12. Also a participant of LowCarbonSG and Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC) Singapore.
• MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMatex partnered with MINDS Craft therapy programme for a Tie-Dye and Batik project using Megapro RE dyes, supporting self-confidence and fine motor skills development for intellectually disabled individuals. Products are sold through MINDS Social Enterprise.
• WateroamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in support of UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Matex commits to supporting Wateroam's mission to provide clean water solutions, with Megapro ECO as part of the sustainability message.
• NUS Enterprise (InnovFest)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMatex participated as a panel speaker at InnovFest 2014 — the flagship event of NUS Enterprise — discussing industry-academic collaborations in research and development. Innovation is a central component of Matex's competitive strategy.
• Singapore Management University (SMU) — Business Families InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMatex participated in BFI@SMU Masterclass on 'Innovation through Co-Creation' as a live case study. Executive Director Dro Tan served as co-speaker exploring challenges and strategies for innovating in family businesses.
• IntertekcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntertek issued Certificate of Conformity under Green Leaf Mark to Matex products, testing for banned azo dyes (REACH Annex XVII) and extractable heavy metals on processed fabrics. Level C certification demonstrates product safety and environmental compliance.
• Environmental & Water Technology Centre of Innovation (EWTCOI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEWTCOI was established as a collaboration between SPRING Singapore (now Enterprise Singapore) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Matex partnered with EWTCOI to access applied R&D and consultancy in sustainable materials technology, water technology, energy efficiency, and membrane technology.
• Chrisal S.E AsiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMatex worked with Chrisal S.E Asia on CSR programmes distributing probiotic cleaning products to 16 social organizations across 75+ facility locations in Singapore, addressing antimicrobial resistance awareness through better cleaning and hygiene solutions.
• SUTD — Dynamic Assemblies LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) Dynamic Assemblies Lab on textile art installations. Progress Report #56 created using TENCEL fibers dyed with Matex's Megafix ECO and MegaPro ECO dyes. Art Encounters exhibited at Marina Central during Singapore Art Week.
• Singapore Fashion Runway (SFR)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with SFR to support special needs participants in fashion events including Next Top Inclusive Model Hunt 2019. Matex contributed design expertise and Megapro RE dyes for fashion pieces, supporting inclusive community engagement.
• TaFF (Textile & Fashion Federation Singapore)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMatex joined TaFF's Fashion Resource List — a curated vendor list supporting local Southeast Asian designers. Partnership under TaFF's sustainability pledge initiative encouraging corporates and individuals toward sustainable fashion.
• IPI SingaporecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPI (Intellectual Property Interchange) matched Matex with a startup to develop wastewater treatment technologies. Founder Dr Alex Tan chaired IPI's industry advisory panel from 2014-2016 and serves on the IPI steering committee. Two joint projects are in development stage.
• Textile & Fashion Federation (Singapore) / SDC International CompetitionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMatex jointly organises and sponsors the Singapore regional heat of the Society of Dyers & Colourists (SDC) International Design Competition annually, engaging students from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Raffles Design Institute, Temasek Polytechnic, and other institutions.
• B Corp / UN Global Compact — SDG Action ManagerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMatex joined the SDG Action Manager, a web-based impact management solution combining B Lab's B Impact Assessment, UN Global Compact's Ten Principles, and the Sustainable Development Goals, enabling meaningful business action through self-assessment and benchmarking.
• Enterprise Singapore (ESG)minorOthersGovernment agency supporting Singapore businesses. Partner in LowCarbonSG programme alongside GCNS, NEA, and Enterprise Singapore, providing capacity-building for decarbonization and carbon footprint measurement.
• National Environment Agency (NEA) SingaporeminorOthersGovernment agency supporting Singapore environmental initiatives. Co-supporter of LowCarbonSG programme alongside GCNS, Enterprise Singapore, and Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition.
• Lenzing (Tencel)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLenzing provided TENCEL branded fibers (sustainable wood-sourced cellulosic fiber) for the SUTD Art Encounters textile art installation, colored with Matex's Megafix ECO dyes. Collaboration showcases sustainable materials and eco-friendly dyeing combined.
• Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMatex is a member of SCCCI, which organized webinars and seminars supporting SME business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. SCCCI shared resources and past webinar content to help members navigate business challenges.
• Singapore Compact (CSR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMatex joined Singapore Compact (now part of GCNS) in July 2011 to further its CSR Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, aligning with UN Global Compact principles.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Archroma: Swiss-headquartered specialty chemicals company (formerly Clariant textile chemicals) supplying dyes, auxiliaries, and finishing chemistry to global textile mills. Directly competes with Matex in sustainable reactive/disperse dye systems and holds similar Bluesign/OEKO-TEX credentials.
• Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co. China-based dye and chemical intermediates manufacturer — one of the largest reactive dye producers globally. Comparable in product (reactive/disperse dyes) and in cost-competitive Chinese manufacturing footprint, with substantially greater scale than Matex.
• Kiri Industries (KDIL): India-headquartered reactive and acid dye manufacturer with integrated intermediates production. Targets similar global textile mill customers and is one of the largest Asian dyestuff exporters — a directly comparable Asian specialty dye supplier.
• Bodal Chemicals: Indian manufacturer of dyestuffs, dye intermediates, and textile chemicals. Competes with Matex in reactive dyes and auxiliaries for textile mills in Asia and global export markets.
• Pulcra Chemicals: Germany-headquartered specialty chemicals supplier specializing in textile, leather, and fiber auxiliaries. Directly comparable B2B specialty auxiliaries portfolio with sustainability focus akin to Matex's Megapro range.
• CHT Group: German specialty chemicals group with a strong textile auxiliaries and silicone finishing business. Competes with Matex in high-performance textile auxiliaries and functional finishes, including sustainability-led product lines.

Broad incumbents

• Huntsman Textile Effects: Long-established global leader in textile dyes and chemicals (now operating under IndiDyestuffs ownership). Competes broadly with Matex in reactive dyes, auxiliaries, and digital printing inks while serving a wider geographic and product footprint.

Others

• HeiQ Materials AG: Swiss textile technology innovator and Matex's official Asia partner for the Viroblock/MatelliQ antiviral platforms. Not a competitor in textiles but a key partner; included because the partnership is commercially critical and joint products are co-branded across multiple consumer categories.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Matex-International-Limited-113389108733449
• LinkedInsg.linkedin.com/company/matex-international-limited

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Matex