Gavin Hodgins is the Managing Director of Rivertex Australia, based in Melbourne, a division of the Rivertex Technical Fabrics Group headquartered in the UK and the Netherlands.

Rivertex Technical Fabrics Group has been established for over 40 years and is a global leader in high-performance technical fabrics and films. Since 2017, the company has pioneered sustainability in the industry through its RiverCyclon® line of end-of-life recyclable polypropylene materials, setting new standards for sustainable & durable performance-coated fabrics. 

With global PVC production reaching 45–50 million tonnes annually, much of it used in coated fabrics, limited recyclability often leads to environmental harm through incineration and landfill. Rivertex’s solution, RiverCyclon®, is a 100% non-toxic, recyclable mono-polymer coated fabric made entirely of polypropylene to simplify recycling and support an eco-friendly lifecycle.

Engineered for sustainability and technical performance, RiverCyclon® is 30–40% lighter than traditional PVC, offering flexibility without compromising durability. Its UV stability, antimicrobial properties, and excellent chemical resistance make it ideal for Industrial, marine, and agricultural applications. Its superior fire retardant (FR) capabilities meet stringent standards, enhancing fire safety compared to standard PVC fabrics. This exemplifies Rivertex’s commitment to creating high-performing, sustainable solutions.

Through innovations like RiverCyclon®, Rivertex is leading the technical fabric sector in circularity and environmental responsibility. It is helping organizations worldwide adopt sustainable practices and driving systemic changes in sustainable technical textiles.