Several consortium partners, including Calvelex, Nau Verde, Paulo de Oliveira, Riopele, and Twintex, along with researchers and industry experts, attended the event. The program began with a visit to Polopiqué’s spinning facilities, followed by a presentation of the project and the sharing of results achieved so far.

Among the key speakers, César Araújo, CEO of the Consortium, discussed the impact of the national textile and apparel industry and shared the strategic vision of the project. The presence of the Portuguese Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis, was also a highlight of the day, with a speech focusing on the importance of innovation and sustainability for the sector. “In the textile and apparel sector, we are respected and admired worldwide,” he stated.

Pedro Reis - Portuguese Minister of Economy

State delegation visits Fibrenamics exhibitor

With an investment of 111.5 million euros, the Lusitano Project’s main objective is to create an innovative spinning unit that works with recycled yarns and natural fibers such as linen and hemp.

Additionally, the project stands out for its research and development of new textiles and apparel, the creation of smart solutions for efficient resource management, and the promotion of the internationalization of the national textile industry. With a projected creation of 300 jobs and the introduction of innovative new products to the market, Lusitano is a key project for the future of the textile sector in Portugal.

The project leaders also shared some of the first achievements, including the installation of biomass boilers and solar panels, as well as the acquisition of cutting-edge technology for the production of revolutionary products, such as the 100% recyclable blazer. These advancements reinforce the project’s strategy of sustainability and innovation, which aims to address the environmental and energy challenges currently facing the industry.

The consortium, in addition to the leading companies Polopiqué, Calvelex, Nau Verde, Paulo de Oliveira, Riopele, and Twintex, also includes partnerships with the Fibrenamics Institute, CENIT – Textile Intelligence Center, INESC MN, Instituto Superior Técnico, Polywasser, Vanguarda, VentilAQUA, University of Beira Interior, and the University of Minho, creating a unique ecosystem of collaboration and innovation within the sector.

Fibrenamics team at the Open Day

Fibrenamics exhibit - Treatment of long linen and hemp fibers

This event marked an important step in achieving the Lusitano Project’s goals, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable innovation, job creation, and the internationalization of the national textile industry. The future of the sector lies in initiatives like this, which position Portugal at the forefront of sustainability and innovation in the global textile market.

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