🌍✨ TEX-BREIN LEARNING EXPEDITION: March 24-25, 2026, Vila Nova de Famalicão (PT)
CONCLUSIONS
On 24–25 March 2026, the TEX-BREIN consortium organised a Learning Expedition to Vila Nova de Famalicão, in the Norte region of Portugal, hosted by CITEVE and the Portuguese Textile Cluster.
Objective
The Learning Expedition aimed to provide participants with in-depth insights into the Portuguese textile ecosystem, with a particular focus on circular economy approaches, including textile recycling (post-industrial and post-consumer), bioeconomy, and sustainable innovation practices.
Programme Highlights
The two-day programme combined study visits, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities:
- Guided visits to CITEVE and CENTI focusing on research and innovation in circular and bio-based textiles
- Industrial visit to Riopele, showcasing integrated and sustainable textile production processes
- Visit to LIPOR, including an automated textile sorting pilot plant
- Visit to Valerius 360º, demonstrating advanced recycling of textile waste into new materials
The programme also included a circularity workshop and networking sessions with Portuguese stakeholders, as well as cultural activities facilitating informal exchange.
Outcomes
The Learning Expedition enabled participants to:
- Better understand the structure and dynamics of the Norte textile ecosystem
- Explore best practices in circular economy and recycling models
- Identify opportunities for collaboration with Portuguese organisations
- Strengthen interregional cooperation within the TEX-BREIN network
This activity represents an important step in building capacities and fostering innovation to support the transition towards a more sustainable and circular textile industry in Europe.
