Nau Verde Revitalizes European Textiles with Massive Flax and Hemp Spinning Mill Investment

Nau Verde, an innovative start-up pioneering Portugal's first 100% flax and hemp spinning mill, is preparing to establish its operations in the town of Rebordões, within the municipality of Santo Tirso. This ambitious venture will occupy a substantial 15,000 square metre former industrial building, which previously housed units operated by renowned companies such as Riopele and Filatex. The company's overarching mission is to revitalize linen yarn production in Europe, a sector currently dominated by Asian markets, backed by an impressive investment nearing €112 million and the promise of creating 250 new jobs.

This groundbreaking initiative, centered on reviving flax and hemp spinning, is already progressing with the construction of its initial wet-spinning unit. Nau Verde firmly believes this facility will mark a pivotal moment for both the Portuguese and broader European textile industries, as articulated in a recent Instagram post by the company. This strategic move aims not only to onshore production but also to introduce advanced manufacturing capabilities to the region.

Beyond its direct operations, Nau Verde plays a crucial coordinating role in the "Lusitano Project," a collaborative endeavor involving 17 partners. Among these partners is Guimarães-based Fibrenamics, a research institution committed to the development of sustainable yarns derived from natural flax and hemp fibers. According to a LinkedIn post by Nau Verde's CEO, Isabel Carneiro, who also serves as vice-president of AEMinho, the project utilizes advanced processes to significantly enhance fiber quality, leading to the production of high-performance yarns specifically tailored for the premium textile segment.

A core tenet of Nau Verde's philosophy is environmental responsibility. The company reports a substantial reduction in the environmental impact of its processing, estimating a decrease of between 50% and 60%. This significant achievement is attributed to innovative chemical and enzymatic treatments, which are currently in their industrial validation phase, as reported by Jornal de Negócios. This commitment to eco-friendly practices underscores their dedication to a sustainable future for the textile industry.

Supported by Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) under the Mobilising Agendas, Nau Verde is strategically positioned to contribute to the advancement of the European textile sector. As CEO Isabel Carneiro concluded on LinkedIn, the start-up’s vision seamlessly integrates innovation, sustainability, and industrial transformation, aiming to forge a resilient and future-proof textile value chain within Europe.