K.tex is a Ukrainian manufacturer of nonwoven materials with over 20 years of experience, combining innovation, responsibility, and uncompromising quality. Founded in 2003, the company has evolved from a local production facility into a strong industry player with its own trademarks, advanced technologies, and international ambitions. Its headquarters and main production facilities are located in Irpin, Kyiv region, with an additional production line launched in Kalush, Ivano-Frankivsk region.
K.tex produces eco-friendly and durable nonwoven materials used in the garment, furniture, construction, and other industries. The company utilizes advanced technologies such as needle punching and thermal bonding to manufacture products that meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and comfort.
One of the most promising areas of development for K.tex is textile waste recycling. The company is implementing a closed-loop production cycle where textile waste from Ukrainian textile and sewing industries is given a second life. This not only reduces environmental impact but also enables the creation of products that align with European market demands for sustainability and environmental responsibility. This approach is a crucial step toward a circular economy — a principle the company is actively integrating into its operations.
Today, K.tex serves more than 300 regular clients, including manufacturers of clothing, workwear, upholstered furniture, toys, home textiles, as well as construction companies and filter equipment producers.
Challenges on the Road to Export
Like many Ukrainian manufacturers, K.tex faced several challenges when entering international markets. The main difficulties included:
- Lack of a clear export strategy;
- Limited experience in international communications;
- Need to adapt products to EU market requirements;
- Insufficient knowledge of marketing tools for European promotion.
Previous independent attempts to enter new markets — such as trade fair participation and sending commercial offers — did not bring the expected results. It became clear that a systematic approach was needed.
“Before joining the program ‘CONNECT: Export readiness, EU network expansion and resilience enhancement of Ukrainian SMEs,’ we felt we had potential, but lacked the right tools,” shares Tetyana Pushkaryova, Business Development Manager at K.tex.
How K.tex Opened the Door to European Markets with Support from EU4Business
Valuable support for K.tex’s international ambitions came through EU4Business, a program funded by the European Union and the German government. In December 2024, the company eagerly applied for the competitive selection process of the CONNECT program and successfully completed all stages, including:
✅ Hands-on training in international marketing and B2B communication
✅ Participation in Heimtextil trade fair in Frankfurt with a series of B2B meetings
✅ A study visit to leading German company Bullmer and exploration of European production approaches
✅ Mentorship on export strategy development, which helped systematize the company’s market expansion process
Photo: 16 January 2025, Tetiana Pushkarova (Business Development Manager, K.tex) at Heimtextile trade show
“We had a unique opportunity to see the European market from the inside, received valuable feedback on our products, and started building new business relationships. Thanks to the program, we learned how to communicate effectively on an international level, formed a clear market entry strategy, and already have preliminary agreements with potential partners,” comments Tetyana Pushkaryova on the program results.
Though the active phase of the program lasted just three months, it delivered significant outcomes:
- Updated the company’s marketing strategy with a focus on sustainability
- Adapted packaging and presentation materials to meet EU market requirements
- Established over 15 new B2B contacts
- Expanded the export department and launched new processes for working with international leads
All these steps have already shown tangible results: K.tex is seeing an increase in inquiries from abroad and has received initial confirmations of interest, particularly in its environmentally responsible product lines. This indicates that the company is on the right path toward expanding its presence in European markets — a clear result of the support from the German government, European Union, and GIZ Ukraine.
The program’s outcomes offer new growth opportunities and reaffirm the importance of a systematic approach to international promotion and global market adaptation.
Looking Ahead
K.tex plans to expand its export product range for the EU, participate in industry trade shows, and apply for grant programs aimed at equipment modernization and energy efficiency improvement.
The company continues moving toward its goals with a strong focus on sustainable development and innovation. Priorities for the coming years include scaling up textile waste recycling, developing circular production technologies, and strengthening its position in the market as a responsible manufacturer with Ukrainian roots.
“This program gave us the push for a true export breakthrough. It provided us not just with knowledge, but with confidence in our own potential. EU4Business and the CONNECT program are all about opportunity, partnership, and the development of Ukrainian manufacturing,” concludes Tetyana Pushkaryova.
***
The Project “CONNECT: Export readiness, EU network expansion and resilience enhancement of Ukrainian SMEs” is implemented by the Visionest Institute within the international cooperation programme “EU4Business: SME Recovery, Competitiveness and Internationalisation” is co-financed by the European Union and the German Government and is implemented by the German federal company “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH”.
The programme aims to support Ukraine’s economic resilience, recovery and growth, create better conditions for the development of Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as support innovation and exports. Read more: www.eu4business.org.ua
The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Visionest Institute and does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union, the German Government, or GIZ.
