Clothes manufacturing in Portugal
Part 3 of 3 kids fashion production in Portugal
We pull up to our final manufacturer of the day A.Ferreira & Filhos (AFF) a family-owned company specialising in the production of soft home furnishings, knitwear and their own baby brand, Wedoble.
On arrival we pile out of the mini bus and into their Wedoble outlet store. This company produces for the likes of the White Company and on first touch of the pieces on the rail both the quality of the yarn and the manufacturing was instantly recognisable as my sister’s favourite White Co. In store there is a young mum with granny and baby in tow fully committed to making the best of their excursion to the outlet store by stocking up on the discounted gems. I soon succumb and purchase a cashmere twin set for my baby niece in a rich burgundy – classic and something to pass on, I think to myself.
Finally after a little retail therapy we were led into the factory and to the meeting room where we are surrounded by all sorts of beautiful knitted wares. The introduction and explanation as to what they do is friendly and welcoming, the aim is for us to understand the lengths AFF as a company are taking to reduce their environmental impact and increase their sustainability principles. Recently they installed solar panels the length of the production facility roof which has led to a 40% reduction in energy costs and CO2 emissions. They are certifying their Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015) implementing the hew GOTS Certification and the Research Development and Innovation Management System (NP 4457: 2007) to aid efficiency. They’re aiming for low water use, low waste processes (for the whole garment) and are working on a new dyeing processes with natural dyes believing that mass production is not compatible with sustainability.
We proceed on our tour through to the knitwear machinery – you name it they have it – intarsia, on the round, linking machines and a lot of them are busy working away. I always find it fascinating watching these machines work. The production capacity is 200,000 units a year, with 36 looms, 10 whole-garment and a work force 76 strong.
In fact they have a new project BUSP – ‘Buy, Upcycling, Save the Planet’ brand inspired by the concept of upcycling and a circular economy and making use of raw material waste from domestic production – but more on that another time…
It’s been a really interesting day visiting these three Portuguese manufacturers. Sourcing manufacturers is something that I’m often asked about. As I said in the Wolf and Rita production post and as one Portuguese brand owner said to me it’s time ‘for Portuguese manufacturing to open up its doors’. …this press trip is part of that shift. There is a decline in those from the younger generation wishing to follow in their parents footsteps, but the superior technical knowhow remains and the Portuguese producers are fully aware of an environmentally changing world. Perhaps with current world issues and certain brands searching for alternatives to manufacturing in China maybe some will be looking towards Portugal.
Series links : Clothes manufacturing in Portugal
- Part 1: Article Wolf & Rita – Part 1 of 3: Mefri – kids fashion production in Portugal
- Part 2: Article Pureté – Part 2 of 3: Madicor – kids fashion production in Portugal
- Part 3: Article Wedoble – Part 3 of 3: AFF – kids fashion production in Portugal
Useful links clothes production Portugal
- Moda Portugal http://www.modaportugal.pt
- Wedoble https://wedoble.com/
- AFF manufacturing http://www.aferfi.com
Katie Kendrick
Katie is a specialist in kids’ fashion and lifestyle, editor, consultant, content creator, and owner of Pirouette - a leading resource to the industry.
With a keen interest in both the business and creative aspects of the industry Katie has interviewed buyers, agents, stylists, designers, influencers, covered runway shows, produced trade show reports and curates thought provoking and engaging exhibitions.
She is passionate about good design, creativity and brands that manage to combine this with their environmental responsibility.
Subscribe to Pirouette's monthly Newsletter.
You might also like
March 4, 2024
Vida Kids
Vida Kids, London, UK.Celebrating 20 years in 2023, Vida Kids represents childrenswear and lifestyle brands from around the world. Their showroom and office is located in Islington, London. When…
February 27, 2024
The Little Red Planet
Mindi Smith talks to us about The Little Red Planet, her children's boutique based in Sag Harbor, New YorkLaunched online in September 2018, the first brick ‘n mortar followed in Dec 2018.…
February 8, 2024
All eyes on NYC this weekend!
It’s all eye’s on Playtime New York & Kids Hub this weekend, Pirouette will be state side for all three days in the city that never sleeps. February 11-13, 2024 Metropolitan Pavilion
February 1, 2024
Cookie Dough boutique
Yasmin Agha talks to us about Cookie Dough, her beautiful children's boutique in downtown Beirut.Cookie Dough Boutique sits in downtown Beirut, on the corner of one of the most prestigious locations…
January 25, 2024
Playtime Paris starts this weekend!
Playtime Paris January 27-29, 2024 parc floral WIth over 300 brands exhibiting at Playtime Paris you should makes sure to plan your visit! Pirouette will be there from Saturday morning bright and…
January 13, 2024
What to look out for at Pitti Bimbo 98 Day 2
Day 2 to do list After the excitement of day 1 I’m nicely warmed up to make a running start to day 2. Plenty to see and lots of people to catch up with. 1. Starting off rogue It's great to…
January 13, 2024
What to look out for at Pitti Bimbo 98 Day 1
Day 1 to do list Having had a sneaky peek at a number of the FW24 collections it seems sophistication will be in the air from the 17th of January in Firenze, Florence. ‘Black is back’…
January 12, 2024
Good Morning Pitti Bimbo!
Pirouette Chat Show
LIVE filming Day 1 PB98
Good Morning Pitti Bimbo! Pirouette Chat Show - LIVE filming Day 1 - PB98 Watch live filming at 11am Wednesday, 17 January @ the UniCredit Bimbo Arena
December 30, 2023
directory*
Just what we NEED to make a fragmented industry whole… We all know how difficult it can be to find out the information you’re looking for quickly & easily. “Who was that brand…