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At the February edition of Première Vision Paris (3–6 February), three territories of excellence are being highlighted: France, Japan and Portugal. Under the banner “Living Sustain”, the Portuguese textile and apparel industry is showcased as a model of savoir-faire.
The list of exhibitors is already confirmed. As part of the Sustainable Textile & Apparel From PORTUGAL project, promoted by ATP, participants in the Fabrics sector include: 6Dias Têxteis, A. Sampaio & Filhos, Albano Morgado, Barbosa & Cardoso, Bloomati, Fábrica de Tecidos Vilarinho, Familitex, Lemar, Modelmalhas, NGS Malhas, Sidónios Knitwear, Troficolor Denim Makers and Vilartex. In Leather, Cosmiknit is participating, while in Manufacturing, exhibitors include Calvi, J. Caetano & Filhas and Consifex.
In a dedicated article, Première Vision describes Portugal as a country where technology strengthens tradition, with decades of experience in knitwear production, particularly circular knits. The piece highlights the strong regional concentration in the Ave and Cávado valleys and the sector’s adaptability to higher value-added business models.
“Today, Portuguese companies are highly competent in engineering touch, drape and dimensional stability, with remarkable know-how in technical and functional constructions,” it reads. Sidónios Knitwear and A. Sampaio & Filhos are cited as examples of this excellence.
The publication also recognises Portuguese companies’ focus on the circular economy, low-impact raw materials, textile recycling, more energy-efficient production processes and supply chain transparency. Vilartex, NGS Malhas and Casa da Malha are mentioned as examples of firms investing in bio-based regenerative fibres.
The message is clear: Portugal is a highly capable country with exceptionally high standards, where vertical integration is a key selling point. “Within relatively short distances, a brand can work with a company that controls the entire chain” — from spinning to knit, dyeing, finishing and garment production. This translates into speed, lower minimum quantities, strict quality control, customisation and flexibility. “Buyers can trace a fabric back to a yarn batch, a dye batch or a supplier certificate,” the article emphasises.
Other notable industry players cited include the Valérius Group and Positive Materials. Nearshoring to Portugal is described as a “pragmatic and commercially rational strategy, capable of addressing current supply chain risks and increasing regulatory pressures.”
Beyond the ATP internationalisation project participants, numerous other Portuguese companies are present at the fair, including Casa da Malha, Crispim Abreu, Fitecom, Lurdes Sampaio, Matias & Araújo, Paulo de Oliveira, Penteadora, Somelos, Texser, TMG Textiles, Trimalhas, Inovafil, Acatel, Positive Materials and Maximo International.
Additional representatives include Anjos e Lourenço, António Manuel de Sousa, Barcelbordados, Cordeiro e Campos, WAT, Dicasi Brands, Têxtil Nortenha, Fatulino, FLM, Irmãos Rodrigues, Jobarros, Ritedu, Siena, Somani, TMR Fashion Clothing, Addvance Studio/Essence Studio, Bolflex, Dias Ruivo, Exposola, Inducol, Indutan and MTV Belts.