Riopele: Facts & Numbers

One of Europe's leading textile companies. After a two-year pandemic, which had a strong impact on the international fashion industry, find out how Riopele evolved, in numbers:

1927

The year Riopele was founded. In 1927, Riopele was established in Vila Nova de Famalicão, a town in northern Portugal. With a longstanding history amidst textile companies in Portugal, it is specialised in the design and production of fabrics for the fashion and clothing industry. Its investment in the mobility sector is more recent, but is already beginning to bear fruit.

95%

Riopele exports over 95% of its production worldwide. Consolidating its position in the most demanding European markets and increasing its presence in high-potential markets such as the US, Canada, and Japan is a goal for the next decade. The company currently has over 750 active customers in over 30 markets.

1083

This is the number of Riopele employees. An increase of over 20% in the last decade. At the end of 2021, 63% of our employees were men, 37% women. The average age of our employees is 41, and women hold 42% of leadership positions. On average, Riopele staff remain with the company for 15 years. Currently, 237 employees (22% of the total) are under the age of 30.

120

R&D is a critical area for Riopele. Hence, this is one of our most relevant departments. Currently, 120 professionals invest in the development of innovative solutions for the most demanding customers on an international scale.

80%

The company has a longstanding commitment to sustainability. Investments are recurrent. Our goals are ambitious: 80% of Riopele products will be sustainably based by 2025. Local production, energy efficiency, water consumption reduction and fighting waste are not a fad. At Riopele, we usually say, "sustainability is not a trend, but our way of living from day one".

35 Million

Riopele aims to be one of the leading European companies in the textile sector, especially in the field of sustainability. Thus, it has already invested EUR 35 million since 2012, not only in cutting-edge technology, but also in the automation and efficiency of new equipment. Some examples are the creation of a B2B digital platform, a monitoring system for the production areas, an AI machine vision system in the weaving area, and optimising processes and strengthening internal skills. Investments in sustainability (energy efficiency, water saving, fighting waste, etc.) are staples.