A Penteadora SA has successfully commissioned a complete mechanical textile recycling line and a needlepunch nonwoven production line supplied by ANDRITZ at its manufacturing facility in Unhais da Serra, Portugal. The new investment strengthens the company’s capabilities in textile circularity by enabling the conversion of pre-consumer and post-consumer textile waste into high-value recycled materials for industrial applications.
The newly installed lines are fully operational, with the first recycled nonwoven products expected to enter the market in July. The project represents a significant step in A Penteadora’s sustainability strategy, supporting the development of innovative textile solutions while improving resource efficiency and reducing waste.
The advanced recycling installation includes state-of-the-art picker technology, which is among the first of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula. This technology allows efficient removal of hard components such as buttons and zippers from textile waste, improving material quality and enhancing overall process performance.
Miguel Fernandes, Administrator of A Penteadora, said, “With the new ANDRITZ recycling and nonwoven technologies, we can transform textile waste into high-value materials for industrial applications. This investment strengthens our commitment to sustainability and circularity while creating new opportunities for innovative nonwoven products and more efficient use of resources.”
Advanced Recycling Technology for Complex Textile Waste
The mechanical textile recycling line supplied by ANDRITZ includes multiple processing stages such as cutting, blending, fiber opening, and carding. The system is designed to handle challenging textile waste streams, including wool/synthetic blends and technical fibers, enabling the recovery of valuable fibers from complex materials.
The needlepunch nonwoven line allows A Penteadora to manufacture high-performance materials for various industrial applications, including thermal insulation, acoustic barriers, and protective solutions. The combination of recycling and nonwoven technologies provides the company with greater flexibility to develop sustainable materials tailored to emerging market requirements.
Supporting Textile Circularity and Sustainable Manufacturing
As a vertically integrated company within the Paulo de Oliveira Group, A Penteadora specializes in transforming fibers into premium fabrics, with expertise in worsted and woolen textiles for fashion, uniforms, and technical applications.
The company holds certifications including ISO 9001 and Global Recycled Standard (GRS), while its products comply with OEKO-TEX® standards, reflecting its commitment to responsible production practices.
The collaboration with ANDRITZ supports A Penteadora’s ambition to advance circular textile manufacturing by creating new value from textile waste and contributing to a more sustainable textile ecosystem.
About ANDRITZ
ANDRITZ is a global technology group providing advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for industries including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental solutions, and nonwovens. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the company employs approximately 30,000 people across 280 locations in more than 80 countries.
Through sustainable technologies, digitalization solutions, and lifecycle services, ANDRITZ supports industries worldwide in improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and accelerating the transition toward a circular economy.