Oxeon AB acquires Hypetex CAM to expand TeXtreme colored composites

The acquisition brings Hypetex colored materials technology into the TeXtreme portfolio, opening new possibilities for carbon fiber, glass fiber and natural fiber composite reinforcements that combine visual expression, functional performance and weight-saving potential.

TeXtreme | Oxeon AB (Sweden) announces the acquisition of Hypetex, a U.K.-based specialist in colored advanced materials technology. The acquisition marks an important step in Oxeon’s continued development of high-performance composite reinforcements and expands the company’s ability to offer colored materials that combine visual design, material functionality and lightweight performance.

The addition of Hypetex strengthens TeXtreme’s existing colored Spread Tow reinforcement offering and supports the growing demand for composite materials that do more than deliver structural performance alone. Color can now be treated as an integrated material property rather than a secondary surface treatment applied after manufacturing.

This creates new opportunities across both design expression and functional performance. From a design perspective, colored reinforcements allow brands and manufacturers to use the composite material itself as part of the visual identity of a product. Seasonal colors, brand-specific shades and customized finishes can be communicated directly through the reinforcement architecture. Carbon fiber no longer needs to be defined only by its traditional black appearance. It can become a more flexible and expressive design element.

From a functional perspective, integrating color into the reinforcement can help reduce or eliminate the need for additional paint systems in selected applications. In aerospace and UAV structures, for example, components are often painted in specific grey tones or protective colors. A pre-colored reinforcement can support the same visual or functional requirement while helping to reduce finishing steps, added material and overall weight. Similar benefits may apply where lighter-colored composite surfaces are used to manage heat absorption, limiting the need for heavy protective coatings.

The technology also creates opportunities for glass fiber composites. Glass fiber reinforcements often become translucent in finished composite parts, which can make the textile structure and technical character of the material difficult to see. Colored glass fiber reinforcements can make the woven architecture visible in the final application, whether the goal is to create a carbon-like appearance or a distinctive color finish for products in sports, aerospace, industrial and other markets.

The technology also offers excellent opportunities for flax fiber composites and other natural fiber-based materials. As sustainable composite solutions continue to gain momentum across sports, mobility, consumer and industrial applications, colored flax reinforcements provide new possibilities for both visual differentiation and product design. Combined with TeXtreme’s proprietary Spread Tow technology, colored flax fabrics can deliver a unique combination of lightweight performance, premium surface appearance and sustainable material content. By integrating color directly into the reinforcement, manufacturers can highlight the natural character and woven architecture of flax-based composites while reducing or eliminating the need for secondary finishing processes. This demonstrates that the benefits of colored reinforcement technology extend beyond carbon fiber and glass fiber, supporting the development of high-performance, sustainable composite solutions with enhanced visual appeal.

TeXtreme Spread Tow Colored Fabrics are available in a range of colors and in both dry and prepreg formats. The materials are designed to retain the benefits of TeXtreme Spread Tow Thin-Ply technology, including low weight, excellent surface quality, reduced crimp and efficient fiber alignment, while adding new possibilities for visual customization.

The acquisition of Hypetex positions TeXtreme colored reinforcements as more than a visual option. It opens the door to composite materials where color, structure and performance are developed together to meet the next generation of design and engineering requirements.