Textile Exchange Attendees Went Behind-the-Scenes with Portugal Producers
At the most recent Textile Exchange conference in Lisbon, Portugal, Lenzing Group took groups on a field trip to some of our local production partners.
The optional add-on experience on Oct. 17 was a full-day excursion to Porto, Portugal-area manufacturers to discover how they are using TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers. Participants—ranging from mills to brands, retailers, designers and industry experts—could choose whether to visit two apparel facilities or two factories focused on home textiles.
We started the day bright and early with a bus ride to Porto. Once we made it to the city, the groups split up to tour a mill from one of the two categories. From there, we regrouped for lunch and then toured a second mill in the afternoon. Rounding out the excursion was a Q&A and networking session.
In apparel, we toured Riopele and Impetus.
Approximately 100 years old, Riopele is one of the oldest textile manufacturers in Portugal. The mill is vertically integrated from raw material to the fabric or finished garment, with capabilities spanning R&D, spinning, dyeing, twisting and weaving. Additionally, the company operates a private label clothing manufacturing service. Keenly focused on sustainability, the company has invested 35 million euros in sustainability and digital transformation, with plans to have 80 percent of its products fit sustainability categories and achieve carbon neutrality by 2027.
Impetus Group started in the textile business in 1973 with four machines. This has blossomed over the years into a vertically integrated manufacturing house that expanded beyond its initial underwear and loungewear categories into technical products and activewear. The company uses TENCEL™ fibers for their comfort, innovation and sustainability.
The home textiles tour began at bedding maker Lameirinho. Initially focused on weaving, today the family-owned company offers all manufacturing steps starting from weaving. In addition to TENCEL™, they are using innovative solutions such as fruit-based fibers.
Attendees on the home textiles tour also visited Allcost, which makes bed, bath and table linens for both the home and hospitality markets. Within its premium lines, the company uses both TENCEL™ Lyocell and LENZING™ ECOVERO™, in addition to other luxurious natural fibers like cashmere, linen and Egyptian cotton.
We enjoyed bringing what these innovative manufacturers are doing to a wider audience through this field trip.