Portugal

 

Last week, we once again had the pleasure of experiencing Portugal not just as a country of breathtaking landscapes and exquisite wine, but also as a hub of textile production. We finally visited our producers again, one for knit fabrics and another for woven fabrics.

The businesses we visited are family-owned, creating a very special atmosphere. There was a warm and inviting mood that immediately made us feel in the right place. These companies are known not only for their high-quality products but also for their deep expertise and commitment to quality and sustainability. The passion for textiles and their production was palpable in every conversation and every process shown - and that's super important to us, of course.

In addition to the impressive hospitality and technical exchange, we also had the privilege of touring the production facilities ourselves. This allowed us to experience firsthand how knit and woven fabrics are made - a process that perfectly combines tradition and innovation.

The circular knitting machine, which you see below, is a true marvel of technology that has revolutionized the production of knit fabrics. These machines work with a series of needles arranged in a circular pattern to create a seamless tube of fabric. The principle is fascinatingly simple yet highly complex: the needles move in a coordinated way to pull loops through loops, creating the knit material. This technique allows for a variety of knit patterns and textures, from fine jersey fabrics to thicker, more structured materials.

 
Knitting Machine
 
 

In contrast, the weaving machine works by interlacing two sets of threads – the warp and the weft – at right angles to each other to produce flat fabrics. Modern weaving machines can produce an impressive variety of fabrics with different weights, textures, and patterns. The precision and speed at which these machines operate are a testament to the technological progress in the textile industry. They allow for the production of complex designs and patterns with high efficiency - Jeanette certainly looks thrilled, doesn't she?!

 

 
Weaving Machine

 

Another highlight was the dyeing drums, whose use we had the privilege of witnessing up close. Dyeing drums play a central role in the dyeing process of textiles, as they ensure an even and thorough absorption of dye by the fabric. The fabrics, along with the dyes, are placed into the drum, which then rotates to achieve a thorough mixing. This rotation ensures that every part of the fabric comes into contact with the dye solution, ensuring an even dyeing without spots or uneven shades. The temperature and duration of the dyeing process are precisely controlled to achieve the desired depth and consistency of color, and vary depending on the fabric used and the desired outcome.

 

Dyeing unit

 

Also impressive: The use of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the buildings. This investment in renewable energy is a clear sign of the family businesses' commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. The installation of photovoltaic systems (PV systems) on the roofs harnesses the energy of the sun to generate electricity. This electricity is used directly in the production processes, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and significantly lowering carbon emissions.

 

PV

 

It's a win-win situation: The companies benefit from lower energy costs while simultaneously making an active contribution to climate protection. The use of solar energy in textile production is a remarkable step towards a greener and more sustainable industry. Our journey was thus filled with beautiful moments and insights, and we can hardly wait to be back in Portugal soon!