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Sustainability as a Gateway to Textile International Markets: The Portuguese Case

Author

Listed:
  • Luis Moreira

    (ESTG, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua do Curral, 4610-156 Felgueiras, Portugal)

  • Anderson Rei Galvão

    (ESTG, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua do Curral, 4610-156 Felgueiras, Portugal
    CETRAD Research Center, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Vitor Braga

    (Center for Research and Innovation in Business Sciences and Information Systems (CIICESI), ESTG, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua do Curral, 4610-156 Felgueiras, Portugal)

  • Alexandra Braga

    (Center for Research and Innovation in Business Sciences and Information Systems (CIICESI), ESTG, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua do Curral, 4610-156 Felgueiras, Portugal)

  • Jaime Teixeira

    (Center for Research and Innovation in Business Sciences and Information Systems (CIICESI), ESTG, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua do Curral, 4610-156 Felgueiras, Portugal)

Abstract

The textile industry sector is classified as the most polluting sector and has the greatest direct impact on the life of the entire ecosystem. The main objective of this article is to study the role of sustainability (eco-innovation and circular economy) in the internationalization of the textile industry in Portugal. For this, a qualitative methodology was used, through semi-structured interviews applied to four managers of the textile sector, in the north of Portugal. The results of the interviews were submitted to a content analysis and data coding system using the NVIVO software. The results show that sustainability is a pillar of direct and/or indirect internationalization, either through the demand of the consumer for sustainable products or through the availability of the products produced by companies; this is motivated mainly by customers, even if the high price of these products when they reach the market is concerning. With the results achieved, this article shows that the determining factor for eco-innovative and recycled products is the price factor. The high price that eco-innovative and recycled products have when they reach the market is the main concern that the companies interviewed have in terms of investing more in this type of product. However, they claim that there is a clear increase in demand for these products and that it is a differentiating factor in international markets. It also became evident that the existence of products from the circular economy increases the companies’ value and acceptance in international markets. This article provides empirical evidence that shows that the transition from a linear to a circular economy requires large investments in most cases; however, it is currently a competitive advantage and a positioning in a differentiating sector, increasing the brand’s social responsibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Luis Moreira & Anderson Rei Galvão & Vitor Braga & Alexandra Braga & Jaime Teixeira, 2023. "Sustainability as a Gateway to Textile International Markets: The Portuguese Case," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:5:p:4669-:d:1089007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sueydy Cordeiro Gomes Brandão & Marcele Elisa Fontana & Wesley Douglas Oliveira Silva & Gilson Lima da Silva, 2025. "Drivers and barriers of sustainability-oriented innovations in Brazilian denim treatment facilities: an expert-driven decision support," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Kurniawati, 2023. "Sustainable Textile Practices by Integrated Viscose Rayon and Yarn Producers: An Empirical Study," GATR Journals jfbr210, Global Academy of Training and Research (GATR) Enterprise.

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