A Penteadora has started up a mechanical textile recycling line and a needlepunch nonwoven line supplied by Andritz at its production site in Unhais da Serra, Portugal. The investment expands the company’s industrial capabilities and supports the development of a new generation of solutions based on pre- and post-consumer recycled textiles, using input materials from its own production waste and other textile waste streams. Both lines are fully operational, and the first products are expected to reach the market in July 2026.
The installation includes picker technology described as one of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula, which removes hard elements such as buttons and zippers, adding value in terms of material quality and process efficiency.
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.”
The mechanical textile recycling line comprises cutting, blending, fiber opening, and carding, and is designed to process complex materials, including wool and synthetic blends and technical fibers. The needlepunch nonwoven line enables the production of high-performance materials for applications such as thermal insulation, acoustic barriers, and protective solutions.
As a vertically integrated company within the Paulo de Oliveira Group, described as a leading European player in the wool industry, A Penteadora transforms fiber into fabric and specializes in worsted and woolen textiles for fashion, uniforms, and technical applications. The company is certified according to ISO 9001 and GRS standards, and its products are stated to comply with OEKO-TEX standards.
