Vertically integrated fashion fabric manufacturer Riopele has been working on the realisation of a number of sustainable product launches with major brands and will invest €19 million in R&D and process upgrades up to the end of 2025.

The company, founded in 1927, is based in Pousada de Saramagos in northern Portugal, where it carries out spinning, dyeing, twisting, weaving and finishing, with specific expertise in the production of materials based on polyester,viscose and elastane blends.

With a workforce of 1,189 people, Riopele has been actively pursuing a policy of attracting young talent and 22% of its employees are under 30 years old, with 12% recent graduates.

The company produced some 9.6 million metres of fabric during 2023, realising a turnover of €98 million. It had 438 active clients at the start of 2024, and while consolidating its presence in the most relevant European markets has been a priority, regular investments are also being made in the USA and Asia.

Among recent developments with major fashion brands, Riopele has worked with Hugo Boss on the launch of collections based on HeiQ’s AeoniQ climate positive continuous cellulose, with Filippa K, on the adoption of OnceMore fibres based on textile waste and wood pulp, developed by Lenzing and Sodra, and with Zara on the incorporation on Infinna, the cotton-rich fibre based on textile waste developed by Infinited Fiber Company.

“Raw materials can account for up to two-thirds of a brand’s climate impact and to make sure customers trust the new products developed by Riopele, we have been strengthening our commitment through certification,” says head of sustainable product development and projects Ângela Teles.

As a result of such ongoing projects, Riopele aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its value chain by 20% and has further set its own goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2027, by treating all of its own textile waste, while aiming for 80% of the fabrics it produces to be based on sustainable feedstocks.

It is further committing €15 million to the Lusitanos project, aimed at developing sustainable new textiles from natural and recycled fibres, as well as energy and resource management solutions for the sector. Another €3 million is being invested in the TEXP@CT digitisation project and €1 million in the Giatex project, looking to create tools and decision support systems for intelligent water management and reduce water consumption.

“All these initiatives reflect the company’s determination to gear the progress of the textile industry towards responsible production,” Teles concludes.

www.riopele.pt