Founded in 1973, RIFIL is a leading yarn manufacturer in Europe. The company has a focus on creating Italian-quality acrylic yarns mixed with wool for indoor, outdoor and automotive furniture, plus knitwear, fabrics and more. RIFIL’s management team discussed its product selection, including the new Infinity range. Report by Antonia Cole.
With an annual turnover of €67 million, RIFIL has established itself as a key player in the international export of yarns. The company has 450 employees and five key values that contribute to its success: service, quality, ethics, health and sustain ability.
The company ensures that all employees are protected and supported throughout operations, making the process of creating high-quality Italian yarns not only safe, but rewarding. RIFIL views its community as a big family and aims to integrate those values into practices.
In the Romanian NEAMT region, the company has six factories, in which highly skilled and experienced employees produce premium yarns. 14,000,000 kg of yarn is made annually, which is then
used in textiles for a variety of industries. The durability of the fabric and resistance to weathering makes it ideal for not only clothing, but also outdoor furniture and specialised uniforms.
RIFIL has 50 years of experience in the industry and has progressed to become
the largest yarn producer in Eastern Europe. The company’s experienced team of professionals work to innovate the sector and evolve the properties of products to suit customer needs.
More than 10% of RIFIL’s annual turnover is reinvested into industrial innovation, research and development. Through this, the company is continuously evolving aspects such as quality, style and performance in products. RIFIL’s new Infinity range of yarn is a result of this commitment and investment into improvement.
“RIFIL was the first public-private company established in the Soviet bloc,” said the Commercial Director. “We have always been leaders in this respect, but we are
now also focusing on driving the change to more sustainable operations. At RIFIL, we comply with the highest certifications, in respect of the environment and health of future generations. We hope to inspire other companies to do the same.”
Weaving in quality
From over 300,000 m2 of production facilities, with more than 50 spinning, doubling and twisting lines, RIFIL has produced around one billion kg of 100% Italian-quality yarn over the past 50
years. The company’s acrylic and wool blend yarns come in a variety of forms, from chenille to knitting yarn balls. RIFIL’s broad portfolio means that it can fulfil various customer requirements.
The company’s range of knitting yarn is high-quality, stylish and versatile. From jumpers to socks, the yarn can be used by end consumers for a variety of purposes. This durable, yet soft, yarn is available in a wide selection of colours and can be ordered in any size batch, according to the customers’ needs.
RIFIL also creates resilient acrylic yarns to be used in the production of outdoor furniture, such as chairs or parasols. The company’s spinning, dyeing and finishing techniques contribute to the completion of strong and modern fabrics. The material is specially dyed according to the customer’s requirements, resulting in a personalised product, specifically designed for the customer.
“Our industrial dyeing plant utilises the most advanced techniques in Europe,” explained the Commercial Director.
“We pride ourselves on being able to develop products that are not only functional but are high-quality and stylish too. Most of all, we work to satisfy the customer through our adaptability and specialised services.”
These processes can also be applied to yarns for the automotive industry. RIFIL’s materials maintain their colour, quality and durability over time, making them ideal for vehicle interiors. The yarns can be used in cars, as well as in various modes of public transport.
Another sector of RIFIL’s product range is indoor furniture, which also benefits from the longevity delivered through the fabrics high quality. Offering a broad portfolio of solid colours and patterns, the company’s products are able to meet many differing needs across the industry.
Finally, combining these features, RIFIL serves the technical uniform industry. The company’s yarns are featured in uniforms for police officers, health professionals, football teams, transport workers, security guards and others. RIFIL recognises a uniform as an important symbol of membership, which is why it has a dedicated range of yarns, focused on style and durability, for this purpose.
Infinity and beyond
In the creation of all the company’s materials, RIFIL has a strong environmental focus. The company has been actively working to reduce carbon emissions in operations through increased efficiency and environmental awareness. Sites are equipped with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to minimise the company’s reliance on unsustainable forms of energy like fossil fuels. This will limit carbon emissions and the depletion of raw materials.
Additionally, RIFIL carefully selects all components, dyes and additives used in processes with their environmental impact in mind. They are all ISO 9001, GRS,
RWS and OEKO TEX certified, promoting the sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients.
The company’s dedication to sustainability and innovation has resulted in the production of a new environmentally friendly range: the Infinity line. This yarn is made from a recycled acrylic fibre called Regel. Incorporating this yarn into the company’s portfolio allows RIFIL to minimise environmental impacts and excess waste, whilst maintaining a high-quality feel and colour vibrancy.
Regel is GRS certified and uses a chemical recycling process to limit the unnecessary use of raw materials. As well as this, it is antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Therefore, it can be utilised for a variety of specialised purposes, including in baby clothing.
“I am very proud to be a part of the launch of our Infinity range,” said the Commercial
Director. “This is a huge step towards a more circular economy, where we are able to conserve natural resources without compromising on quality. This is a great achievement for both RIFIL and the planet.”
Tight-knit partners
The Infinity range was made in collaboration with TAF, one of the world’s top five acrylic fibre producers. RIFIL actively makes connections across the industry in order to drive innovation and positive action for the environment. Working with TAF has allowed RIFIL to spin this new recycled fibre and make new sustainable options available for both clients and end-consumers.
“We at RIFIL are very excited about the results of this collaboration,” explained the Commercial Director, in conclusion. “TAF’s new technology, combined with our expertise, has allowed us to create a premium yarn that also drives positive change for the environment. All of our partners and suppliers are very important to us. It is by working together that we will be able to see real developments within the industry.”
RIFIL is committed to producing highquality Italian yarns and will continue to advance product ranges in terms of colour, function and durability. Looking into the future, the company is also planning to implement more sustainability measures and innovations.
The company has found success thus far through building connections and collaborating across the industry. RIFIL hopes to continue meeting like-minded companies and working with them to create a more sustainable future. n
