Knitwear Manufacturers in Europe: An Overview

Planning to launch a new collection of knitwear? In this guide, we explain what brand owners must know when selecting a qualified manufacturer in the knitwear industry. More specifically, we take a closer look at certification and standards for organic cotton and recycled materials – and, why OEKO Tex Standard 100 is equally important when selecting suppliers.

Supplier qualifications

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a standard that in practice establishes certification and traceability systems for organic cotton. In essence, GOTS traces fabrics from the cotton plantation to the final knitwear production – as a way of ensuring that cotton claimed to be organic is in fact organic.

GOTS certification also applies to knitwear factories, which indicates that they are procuring organic cotton. Buying knitwear from a GOTS certified knitwear factory is also a precondition if you want to claim that your products are made from organic cotton.

Factories that claim to be GOTS certified include A. Ferreira & Filhos, S. A. in Portugal, and PulseFashion in Greece. This can also be verified through the GOTS database.

Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

Some knitwear factories also procure recycled materials, such as recycled polyester. As is the case with GOTS organic cotton, recycled materials also depend on extensive traceability. If you are looking specifically for knitwear factories using recycled materials – then verify that the factory can provide Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification.

OEKO Tex Standard 100

Many knitwear factories also state that they can ensure OEKO Tex Standard 100 compliance. Standard 100 is not related to sustainability, but concerns the content of chemicals and heavy metals. This is crucial, as textile products are subject to substance restrictions in the EU, UK, and US.

Selling knitwear that contains, for example, lead above the set limits can result in a recall. OEKO Tex Standard 100 is based on a combination of regulations, which can in turn help you comply with substance restrictions in multiple countries.

Country/market	Examples
EU	1. REACH 2. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation
USA	CPSIA (total lead content)

Keep in mind that knitwear products are normally subject to textile labelling requirements. Knitwear intended for children can also be subject to additional safety standards and labelling requirements.

MOQ requirements

The MOQ requirement is normally based on the material. European knitwear manufacturers often set the MOQ between 200 to 500 pcs per style and colour.

Example

• MOQ per style: 500 pcs
• MOQ per colour: 250 pcs
• MOQ per size: 125 pcs

Portugal

A. Ferreira & Filhos, S. A.

Ferreira & Filhos, S. A. was founded in 1980 in Caldas de Vizela. The company is a private label manufacturer that specialises in producing knitted outerwear for adults and children. It sources its yarns from quality suppliers around Europe.

According to its website, the company is able to produce 300,000 items each year, and can adapt to its customers’ specifications and requirements for different markets.

The company has multiple qualifications and certifications, including OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, NP 4457, IQNET Recognised Certification, and Global Recycled Standard. It is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), SEDEX, and also part of COTEC’s Innovative SME Network.

Main products

• Sweaters
• Vests
• Singlets
• Ponchos
• Dresses
• Cardigans
• Baby’s trousers

Location: Caldas de Vizela, Portugal

Madalena Beça Têxtil, Lda

Madalena Beça Têxtil, Lda is a family knitwear manufacturer in Portugal that was founded in 1998. The company uses high-quality raw materials in its flexible production line to create custom-made products for its clients.

Its production services consist of sampling and planning, knitting and collection development, confection, product management and quality control, and packing and shipping. It strives to ensure sustainability across its supply chain and in its products as well.

The company’s qualifications include GOTS, Global Recycled Standard (GRS), and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) Certified. It manufactured products for the brand Kit and Kin, which won 1st place at the Junior Design Awards 2020/21.

Main products

• Menswear
• Womenswear
• Children’s wear
• Babywear

Location: Penafiel, Portugal

Greece

PulseFashion

PulseFashion was founded in 1995 in Greece, and specialises in manufacturing circular knitted fabric clothing. The company manufactures a wide range of products, such as t-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as dresses and skirts. It uses materials such as organic grown cotton wool, Kashmir, linen, and yarn.

The company is GOTS certified, and sources its yarn from suppliers such as Spoerry and YNS. It has partnered with companies such as Europe Knitting and Yarntex, and its customers include Alma&Lovis and WWF Switzerland.

It manufactures its products using customer-provided templates. Per its website, the fabrics the company uses to manufacture its clothing are exclusively made in Greece. The company’s clients also receive their products with the corresponding transaction certificates.

Main products

• T-shirts
• Polo-shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Sweat-jackets
• Fleece-jackets
• Trousers
• Dresses
• Skirts

Location: Thessaloniki, Greece

Hungary

UMATO Kft

Founded in 1992, UMATO Kft is a manufacturer of ready-made garments. The company also offers CMT (cut, make, trim) service for clients in Western Europe, such as Germany and the Neterlands. It is headquartered in Békéscsaba, Hungary.

The company uses circular knitted fabrics to make its products. It also specifies its production process on its website. It starts by knitting and dying-finishing the product, then it cuts, sews, and irons the item before folding and packaging the garments per the customer’s requirements.

According to its website, the company has a factory. Its qualifications include IMO GOTS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Main products

• Underwear for men and women
• Pyjamas
• Ladies’ t-shirts
• Dresses
• Children’s garments
• Baby’s garments

Location: Orosháza, Hungary