Service
Year
Derotex strengthens its shareholder structure with the entry of investment fund Down2Earth Capital. Through this transaction, the company welcomes a strategic partner to support its further growth and international expansion.
The transaction follows a period of strong expansion, marked in particular by the acquisitions of Spillebeen and Vervaeke Fibre, both active in the valorization of flax industry by-products. Together with the existing management team and the new partner, Derotex is taking the next step in its development as an integrated player in natural fibers.
This partnership is in line with the company’s ambition to further develop, through a targeted buy-and-build strategy, into a “one-stop shop” for (recycled) natural fibers. In addition to capital, Down2Earth brings strategic and operational expertise to support these growth plans.
The entry of Down2Earth enables Derotex to fully capitalize on opportunities in a fast-growing and consolidating market, and to further strengthen its position within the circular economy.
VDP acted as exclusive advisor to Derotex.
Derotex was founded in 1997 and specializes in the recycling and upgrading of natural fibers, including jute and flax, into high-quality raw materials for industrial applications.
Under the leadership of CEO Manu Lagast, the company has grown since 2013 into a market leader in recycled natural fibers. With production facilities in Wielsbeke and Izegem and a team of approximately 25 employees, the group achieved revenues of over €15 million and an EBITDA of €5.5 million in 2025.
Derotex is well positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives and is recognized as an innovative and quality-driven player within the circular value chain.
Down2Earth Capital is an independent Belgian private equity firm, founded in 2013, focusing on investments in small and medium-sized enterprises.
The fund combines financial strength with industrial expertise and actively supports management teams in their growth and professionalization journey, with a focus on long-term value creation.
