A Penteadora starts up ANDRITZ textile recycling and needlepunch nonwoven lines in Portugal

Nonwovens

A Penteadora SA has successfully started up a complete mechanical textile recycling line and a needlepunch nonwoven line supplied by ANDRITZ at its production site in Unhais da Serra, Portugal.

ANDRITZ textile recycling line

This investment enables A Penteadora to expand its industrial capabilities and develop a new generation of solutions based on pre- and post-consumer recycled textiles. The input materials originate 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. The installation includes advanced picker technology that is one of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula. It enables the removal of hard elements such as buttons and zippers, bringing added value in terms of material quality and process efficiency.

A Penteadora’s production site in Unhais da Serra, Portugal

Miguel Fernandes, Administrator of A Penteadora, underlines: “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. It is designed to process complex materials, including wool/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.

ANDRITZ needlepunch nonwoven line

As a vertically integrated company within the Paulo de Oliveira Group – a leading European player in the wool industry – A Penteadora SA 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, and its products comply with OEKO-TEX® standards.