For the Portuguese garment manufacturer, the recognition represents not only external validation but also an incentive to continue investing in a demanding path marked by high environmental, social and governance standards.
«The award is hugely important», states Mico Mineiro, the company’s COO, emphasising the recognition’s symbolic and practical significance. «For Twintex, which is a pioneer in sustainability awareness in Europe, being recognised is extremely important to us. It means that we are on the right path, with the right strategy, and that our efforts are indeed delivering results», he notes.
In his speech at the awards ceremony, the Twintex executive chose to broaden the focus beyond the company, highlighting the collective journey of Portugal’s textile and clothing industry. For Mico Mineiro, sustainability should be understood in a broader sense, extending beyond the environmental dimension. «There has been resilience, strength and sustainability, not only environmental but also economic and in terms of commitment to work, which is exemplary», he stresses, referring to the Portuguese entrepreneurs’ ability to withstand challenges over recent decades.
This resilience has been tested by a particularly demanding European regulatory environment, in a global market marked by profound competitive imbalances. Without calling for protectionist measures, Mico Mineiro argues for more balanced rules. «We do not want protectionism, nor do we want, in any way, to have advantages over other industries on the European continent. What we do want is a balance of power and a balance of rights in relation to players entering from outside the European market», he explains.
Despite this challenging environment, Twintex sees sustainability as a genuine competitive advantage. «We see sustainability as a major asset», he assures. «And in all the developments taking place in sustainability, we are ready to learn more, evolve further and do better», he adds. However, the executive warns that this advantage will be fully effective only if accompanied by more conscious consumers. «We would like consumers to be fully informed about which products genuinely meet these sustainability criteria, and which do not. And then, more importantly, for consumers to be educated to truly value these products», he points out.
In practice, Twintex has sought to turn this vision into concrete solutions, both in its products and its organisation. One of the most notable examples is the development of a fully recyclable blazer at the post-consumer stage, designed to facilitate circularity without compromising brands’ creative freedom. «The 100% recyclable blazer does not need to go through any sorting at the post-consumer stage», explains Mico Mineiro, stressing that «the product we have developed does not impose any particular design, only a construction technique».
Although the solution is available to customers, uptake has so far been limited, highlighting the gap that still exists between rhetoric and practice among some brands. Even so, the company has seen a positive evolution in market interest over the years. «If 15 or 16 years ago, when we started this journey, we had two customers who cared about this issue, today we probably have 15 customers», he notes, considering this growth an encouraging sign, although still insufficient to make these practices a global standard.
As a company operating in the B2B market, Twintex recognises that its role in educating end consumers is indirect, but not non-existent. Its approach involves consistent communication with customers and partners, a presence in key international markets and active use of digital platforms, always placing sustainability at the heart of its message.
At the same time, the company is preparing for new regulatory requirements, particularly the Digital Product Passport. «We are at an extremely advanced stage in relation to the Digital Product Passport and, once again, Twintex wants to be among the first to provide this for its products», reveals the COO.
Despite the particularly demanding economic environment, Twintex managed to close 2025 with growth, albeit moderate. Following an exceptional year in 2023 and a significant contraction in 2024, the company recorded high single-digit growth, a result it considers satisfactory given the circumstances. With more than 300 employees in Portugal and turnover of approximately €15 million in 2025, the company maintains a strong international presence, with the US, France, Germany and Switzerland as its main markets.
Looking ahead, Mico Mineiro anticipates continued challenges but expresses confidence in the sector’s ability to respond. «The resilience and sustainability of Portuguese and European entrepreneurs must help us and teach us how to overcome this challenge once again, and I think we are prepared for it», he concludes.
