For several decades, the textile industry in Portugal has had a very strong impact on the national economy, but this does not mean it got trapped in time.
Aware of new market and consumer demands, Portuguese factories have invested in the development of new technologies and production processes that keep the country at the forefront of innovation in the textile area.
By having a flexible industry from a production point of view, Portugal has fuelled the growth of alternative design in the textile area. Thanks to limited production capacity, Portuguese designers have the freedom to create and innovate, certain that there is always a production structure to fall back on.
The result is the growth of several small brands that export design all over the world. From clothing to footwear, Portugal is represented in various international markets by a bold, modern and attentive design.
Innovative technology
Portuguese textile companies believe that unity is strength, so they regularly proceed with joint projects for innovation and development of new textile production technologies. Whether to produce new materials or increase efficiency, the Portuguese industry maintains a continuous pace of innovation and process improvement.
Supporting the development of new technologies is Portugal's technological fabric, which is strong and agile. Cooperation between different business sectors allows the country to design, develop, test and implement innovative technologies, always indoors, and ultimately to become a unique textile innovation incubator in Europe.
An industry that embraces sustainability
Consumers increasingly value sustainability in business, and the textile industry has felt this demand with particular intensity. For this reason, a large part of the Portuguese effort to create new technologies and processes goes towards making the entire business fabric more environmentally friendly.
In the textile sector, around 600 Portuguese companies join forces through CITEVE - a non-profit organisation that develops, tests and implements new technologies and production processes for the industry. The close link between business and academia promoted by this institution results in a harmonious combination of knowledge production and market experience.
Besides CITEVE, Portugal also hosts innovative projects to encourage the environmental and digital transformation of the textile and footwear industries. The country is actively pursuing the goal of sustainability without losing competitiveness, so new businesses in this area will always find plenty of support from official entities.
A market that operates on a global scale
From the point of view of credibility, Portugal has already carved its path: Portuguese footwear is considered the best in the world and the textile industry is recognised for the quality and agility with which it responds to demand.
Combined with a strong port infrastructure, unique geography, and an accelerated and qualified technological fabric, these factors make the country an excellent starting point for implementing international business in the textile area.
