We see sustainability as an opportunity to lead by example
Founded in 1979 by António Mineiro, Twintex began as a Portuguese manufacturer of children's clothing for the national market. Over time, the company shifted its focus to high-quality women's and men's outerwear, becoming a leader in the Beira Interior region. Now managed by the second generation, Bruno Mineiro (CEO) and Mico Mineiro (COO), Twintex combines decades of expertise with a forward-thinking approach.
Driven by a mission to support its team and clients, Twintex continues to revolutionise the fashion industry while staying true to its heritage and dedication to quality, resulting in the company being awarded the 2024 Sustainable Development Trophy by CCILF. Ambassador for Social and Environmental Sustainability Beatriz Tavares speaks to Fibre2Fashion about the recognition, the company’s approach to sustainability, and transparency.
Congratulations on receiving the 2024 Sustainable Development Trophy from the Luso-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCILF)! Could you share what this award means to you and Twintex?
Thank you very much! Receiving the 2024 Sustainable Development Trophy from the CCILF is a tremendous honour for us at Twintex. This award represents a recognition of our commitment to integrating sustainability into every facet of our business.
For Twintex, sustainability is a continuous journey. This achievement reaffirms the dedication of our team of skilled professionals, who strive daily to implement innovative practices that minimise our environmental footprint while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
This recognition is also a reminder of the responsibility we have as a leader in the fashion industry to inspire others and contribute to a more sustainable future. It strengthens our resolve to push further in areas like circular design, product traceability and reducing waste, ensuring that our impact on the environment is both meaningful and measurable.
Could you tell us about the recyclable blazer that earned Twintex this recognition? What makes it unique in terms of sustainability?
Certainly! The recyclable blazer represents a milestone in Twintex’s journey towards circular fashion. This garment is a testament to our commitment to designing products that are both innovative and environmentally conscious.
What makes this blazer unique is its composition, meaning both the fabric and the stitching threads are made from the same recyclable material. This simplifies the recycling process, allowing the blazer to be fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle.
Additionally, the blazer was designed with durability and timeless style in mind, encouraging prolonged use and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
What were some of the biggest challenges Twintex faced in designing and producing this recyclable blazer?
Designing and producing the recyclable blazer was an exciting but complex challenge. As pioneers in integrating circularity into our product design, we faced challenges, including:
Material Selection: Identifying a single recyclable material that met our rigorous quality, performance, and sustainability standards was a significant challenge. The fabric and threads had to align seamlessly to ensure durability while maintaining recyclability.
Supply Chain Coordination: Transitioning from traditional supply chains to sourcing materials and partners aligned with circular principles involved adjustments. We had to ensure all stakeholders shared our vision of sustainability.
Twintex has a 45-year legacy. How has the company’s approach to sustainability evolved over the years?
Twintex has a proud 45-year legacy, and sustainability has been a key part of our journey since 1999. Over the years, our commitment to environmental and social responsibility has grown steadily, evolving from foundational initiatives to a fully integrated, forward-thinking strategy.
Energy Efficiency:
- Installing natural gas systems (2008), photovoltaic panels (2013), and transitioning to LED lighting (2014) to reduce energy consumption.
- By 2021, 100 per cent of our energy came from renewable sources, aligning us with global sustainability goals.
In recent years, we have focused on integrating circular design principles, as seen in our eco-design layouts and projects that reuse textiles.
Beyond environmental efforts, we have championed employee well-being with the Twintex Life Card (discounts card in more than 30 local stores), regular health screenings, and community-focused projects such as back-to-school events and reforestation initiatives.
The award ceremony highlighted the importance of environmental and social responsibility in the textile industry. How do you see Twintex leading or contributing to this movement?
At Twintex, we view environmental and social responsibility as fundamental to the future of the fashion industry. We continuously invest in cutting-edge technologies and processes that reduce our environmental footprint. From our early adoption of water recycling systems in 1999 to achieving 100 per cent renewable energy usage in 2021, we are setting benchmarks for sustainable manufacturing. Innovations like our recyclable blazer demonstrate how we combine sustainability with functionality, inspiring others to rethink the lifecycle of their products.
Circularity is central to our vision. By focusing on eco-design, recycling textile waste, and creating products from recycled materials, we actively contribute to reducing waste in the industry. Sustainability extends beyond the environment. We are equally committed to fostering a supportive and ethical workplace for our employees.
At Twintex, we see sustainability as an opportunity to lead by example, push boundaries and inspire the fashion industry to create a greener and fairer future for all.
In your role as the Ambassador for Social and Environmental Sustainability, what are your primary objectives in driving sustainability forward within Twintex?
As the Ambassador for Social and Environmental Sustainability at Twintex, my primary goal is to ensure sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our operations. This involves integrating eco-friendly practices across the value chain, advancing circular economy initiatives like recyclable product design and textile waste reuse, and optimising energy efficiency with renewable sources. I also focus on empowering our employees by fostering a culture of sustainability through education, health programmes and ethical practices. Collaboration is key and we work always with the mindset that our partnerships with clients, suppliers and industry leaders will allow us to scale sustainable innovations. Ultimately, my role is about positioning Twintex as a leader in driving positive change within the fashion industry while setting a benchmark for environmental and social responsibility.
The fashion industry is often criticised for waste and pollution. How is Twintex addressing these issues beyond the recyclable blazer?
Twintex takes a comprehensive approach to addressing waste and pollution in the fashion industry. We have focused on recycling and reusing materials through partnerships with recycling companies, contributing to a circular economy. Our facilities operate on 100 per cent renewable energy, supported by water recycling systems, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting, all of which minimise our environmental impact. We also prioritise eco-design to reduce fabric waste and create durable, sustainable products. Our commitment is reinforced by internationally recognised certifications such as GOTS, OCS, GRS, RWS, and SMETA, ensuring responsible sourcing, ethical practices, and transparency. Through these efforts, Twintex is redefining fashion as both innovative and sustainable.
What role does technology play in helping Twintex achieve its sustainability goals, and are there any upcoming innovations you are excited about?
Technology is a cornerstone of Twintex’s strategy for achieving sustainability. Looking ahead, we are excited about plans to further digitalise our production processes. While specific details will be revealed over time, we are confident that these advancements will not only strengthen our commitment to sustainability but also position Twintex to meet the evolving demands of the industry. As we embrace the future, we are certain that our investments in technology have prepared us to lead in a more sustainable, connected and innovative fashion landscape.
How do you envision Twintex’s sustainability journey unfolding in the next five years? Are there any specific goals or milestones you aim to reach?
At Twintex, our sustainability journey is guided by a clear vision for the future. Over the next five years, we aim to integrate sustainable practices even more deeply into all aspects of our operations. A key priority is the unification of our entire factory under a cohesive, sustainable framework, ensuring efficiency and alignment with our environmental goals. Additionally, we are focused on significantly increasing our energy production through the expansion of photovoltaic panels. This will allow us to cover almost all of our electricity consumption, acknowledging that achieving 100 per cent is currently impossible. Another important step is the continued development of sustainable collections, reflecting our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility in our product offerings.
By pursuing these milestones, Twintex envisions a future where we lead by example in the industry, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world while strengthening the foundations of our business.
With growing consumer awareness around sustainability, how do you see the role of transparency in the fashion industry evolving, and what impact does it have on consumer trust?
Transparency is becoming increasingly crucial in the fashion industry, particularly as sustainability gains prominence among both consumers and businesses. In the B2B space, transparency plays a vital role in building strong, trust-based partnerships. Brands and retailers expect their suppliers to provide clear insights into production processes, sourcing practices, and sustainability credentials.
At Twintex, we view transparency as a cornerstone of our client relationships. By openly sharing information about our certifications—such as GOTS, OCS, GRS, and RWS—and detailing our efforts in areas like energy production through photovoltaic panels, waste reduction, and the development of sustainable collections, we empower our partners to make confident, informed choices.
As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable in the industry, transparency not only strengthens trust but also positions us as a reliable partner in achieving shared environmental goals. We believe this will lead to more collaborative innovation and set new benchmarks for accountability and responsibility across the supply chain.
