Technology Leadership Through Focus
Interview with Carmine Cimini, Chief Techology Officer of Texol S.r.l.
Companies operating in the hygiene sector face highly competitive markets, strict regulatory frameworks and increasing pressure to improve efficiency. Growth in Western Europe is limited, while emerging regions are gaining importance. At the same time, manufacturers must balance performance, cost and environmental impact. Texol s.r.l., headquartered in Alanno, Italy, develops and produces perforated films, nonwovens and laminates for feminine hygiene, baby care and adult incontinence products. Since its foundation in 2005, the company has focused on proprietary high-speed technologies and a strong export orientation, positioning itself as a specialized supplier to international hygiene groups.
European Business: Mr. Cimini, Texol was founded in 2005 in Alanno, Italy. How has the company developed since then?
Carmine Cimini: Since our foundation, we have experienced significant growth. From the beginning, we focused on an innovative technology for perforated films used in feminine hygiene products, baby diapers and adult incontinence solutions. This technological edge allowed us to enter the supply chain of major international groups quickly. Today, we generate around 40 million EUR in annual turnover with approximately 85 employees, and about 85% of our production is exported. Over the years, we have also expanded internationally, first through a joint venture in Chile and, more recently, with our own production site in Brazil.
European Business: What differentiates Texol from its competitors in such a highly competitive global market?
Carmine Cimini: One of our key differentiators is our proprietary technology. We developed patented solutions that enable us to produce high-performance materials at very competitive costs. In addition, our production lines reach speeds that can be up to three times higher than alternative technologies. This combination of quality and efficiency gives our customers a clear advantage. Even in markets where low-cost competitors are active, many customers return to us because they recognize the superior performance and consistency of our materials.
European Business: What role does marketing play in your overall strategy?
Carmine Cimini: Marketing is an important element in strengthening our international visibility and positioning. As a technology-driven company, we focus primarily on long-term customer relationships and direct exchange with our partners. At the same time, international trade fairs are a key component of our marketing activities. Events such as Index Geneva enable us to present new developments, maintain existing partnerships and establish contacts in growth markets. They provide a valuable platform to demonstrate our technological expertise to a global audience.
European Business: Sustainability is a major topic in the hygiene industry. How does Texol approach this issue?
Carmine Cimini: Sustainability is indeed a complex challenge. The European Single-Use Plastics Directive has increased pressure to find alternatives to fossil-based materials. However, many alternative raw materials are significantly more expensive and not yet supported by fully developed supply chains. We therefore focus on areas where we can have a measurable impact: energy efficiency, reducing our carbon footprint and responsible sourcing. At our production facility in Pisticci, southern Italy, we installed a photovoltaic system to lower our reliance on fossil energy and improve the site’s overall energy efficiency.
European Business: Does sustainability also influence your supplier selection?
Carmine Cimini: Absolutely. In the past, purchasing decisions were mainly driven by performance and price. Today, we also consider the carbon footprint. A polymer sourced from Europe may have a lower overall environmental impact than a cheaper alternative from Asia when transport emissions are taken into account. We are continuously optimizing our supply chain with this broader perspective in mind.
European Business: What developments are you currently observing in the hygiene sector?
Carmine Cimini: We clearly observe increasing consolidation. Many smaller companies have been acquired by large multinational groups. This changes the competitive landscape and raises the entry barriers. For a company like ours, it reinforces the importance of specialization and technological leadership. We must remain agile, innovative and close to our customers to maintain our position.
European Business: What are your strategic priorities for the coming years?
Carmine Cimini: Our priorities are clearly defined: expanding our international footprint, driving continuous technological innovation and maintaining a strong focus on efficiency and sustainability. We aim to further strengthen our presence in high-growth regions such as Latin America, India and parts of Africa, while steadily consolidating our position in Europe. At the same time, we are investing in advanced production technologies, process optimization and capacity expansion to support our customers’ evolving requirements. Our objective is not only to grow, but to grow in a structured and sustainable way, ensuring that we remain a reliable, competitive and forward-looking partner for the global hygiene industry.