The European textile industry faces tough competition against low-cost production in Asia. Many European textile companies have struggled to keep up with price competition without compromising on quality or responsibility. Thriving in this environment requires courage, expertise, and long-term dedication to ensure the survival of European production.
Our factory, Black Moda Portugal Lda, is a clear example that there is still strong demand for high-quality and ethical European textile production. Black Moda Portugal Lda is a family-owned company with finnish roots that combines sustainable textile production, strong craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Our factory is located in Ponte de Lima, Northern Portugal, employing 70 skilled professionals, including seamstresses, finishers, pattern makers, warehouse staff, designers, as well as logistics and finance specialists.
Delivering a finished product requires strong teamwork. The expertise of our employees is the company’s most important asset – many of them have grown up in the textile industry, and we value their sewing skills and craftsmanship highly. The textile industry is largely handcraft, and our employees’ know-how is reflected in every product we make.
Sustainable and High-Quality European Production
One of Black Moda Portugal Lda’s greatest strengths is sustainability. We are committed to strict European standards for working conditions, safety, and the environment. Our production is transparent, and we invest in safe working conditions and the well-being of our employees.
Our partner network is located within a 70-kilometer radius of the factory. Long-term partnerships provide reliability and allow for open communication throughout the production process. In our choices, we emphasize delivery reliability, social responsibility, consistent quality, certified production processes and materials, as well as compliance with the REACH chemical regulation.
Textile Production in Portugal
Black Moda Portugal Lda manufactures a wide variety of textile products for our customers’ needs, including:
- Jersey products
- Woven products
- Knitted fabrics
- Light workwear
Most production steps before sewing take place close to our factory in Ponte de Lima, ensuring flexibility, efficiency, and security throughout the supply chain.
Read more about our production here.
Sustainable and Certified Materials
Our materials are carefully selected, including GOTS-certified organic cotton and BCI-certified cotton. Products can also be made from other fibers such as Ecovero™, Refibra™, lyocell, and linen.
All materials are sourced responsibly from trusted partners, ensuring our production can withstand scrutiny from both customers and end-users.
Read more about our sustainability here.
Growth in International Markets
While Finland remains our most important export market, we have steadily expanded into other parts of Europe. Just over a year ago, we began exploring new markets, and today Black Moda Portugal Lda exports to Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Denmark, and Lithuania. This growth supports our goal of sustainable expansion while safeguarding jobs in Ponte de Lima for the future.
The Story and Values of the Family Business
Black Moda Portugal Lda’s roots are in Finland, but the company has become an integral part of Portugal’s textile industry. Siblings Marko Keski-Vähälä and Riikka Oliveira decided to combine their strengths and continue the work started by their parents, building an international business together.
Today, the everyday life of Black Moda Portugal Lda is where Finnish entrepreneurship meets Portuguese craftsmanship and textile expertise – together forming the foundation for sustainable products and long-term customer relationships.
For us, entrepreneurship is a lifestyle that carries responsibility for our employees, our customers, and the surrounding community. We are proud to be a family-owned company where tradition and European craftsmanship go hand in hand.
The Future of the Textile Industry: Expertise, Responsibility, and Collaboration
The story of Black Moda Portugal Lda demonstrates that European textile production can find its place in global competition. This requires continuous renewal, internationalization, and, above all, trust that responsibly and skillfully made products will always have demand.
We believe that the future of textiles will be built on expertise, responsibility, and cooperation. As a European manufacturer, we can react quickly and ensure shorter delivery distances. These are the values we work toward every day in Ponte de Lima – together with our 70 professionals.
Black Moda Oy in Finland – Textile Production with a Turnkey Approach
The mission of Black Moda Oy is to help brands succeed. At our office in Pirkkala, Finland, 11 people work to support customers with production and product development. We also offer product photography, design assistance, and support with responsibility-related questions when needed.
In Finland, we are also responsible for the design, marketing, and textile production of the RATIA and Aarrelabel brands, as well as managing their online stores.
Writer: Marko Keski-Vähälä, CEO / Black Moda Oy