CITEVE (TECHNOLOGICAL CENTRE FOR TEXTILE AND CLOTHING OF PORTUGAL)

In the field of R&D and product innovation, CITEVE pilot plants are equipped with the most advanced and innovative technologies in what concerns to dyeing, finishing/functionalization, coating, lamination, printing, embroidery, seamless and weft knitting, garment manufacturing (non-conventional seams: welding, seams sealing, laser cutting, ultra-sons, high frequency), etc.

This prototyping technological facility is managed by a specialized technical and scientific staff, with competences in the textile and clothing processes and in the new application markets namely for technical products. This pilot unit is essentially devoted to demonstration/reengineering and for product/process development.

CITEVE’s laboratories are equipped with the best available technologies controlled by a highly qualified staff and are internationally accredited for more than 446 tests according to 900 different standards. Recognised by several national and international brands this business area is responsible for performing around 180.000 tests per year.

CITEVE’s labs are specialized in materials and product testing and characterization, such as chemical and physical testing, comfort and new functionalities measurement, fire behaviour, toxicological substances, microbiological tests for sports, automotive, geotextiles and personal protective equipment sectors.

Services:

Testing: CITEVE’s laboratories are equipped with the best available technologies controlled by a highly qualified staff and are internationally accredited for more than 446 tests according to 900 different standards. Recognised by several national and international brands this business area is responsible for performing around 180.000 tests per year. CITEVE’s labs are specialized in material and product testing, such as chemical and physical testing, comfort and new functionalities measurement, fire behaviour, toxicological substances, microbiological tests, geotextiles, automotive and protective clothing.

R&D and Innovation: In the field of R&D and New product development research, CITEVE gathers know-how within the most advanced and innovative technologies such as hotmelt, coating, laminating, digital printing, 3D knitting, laser welding or seamless knitting. This prototyping technological facility is managed by a specialized technical and scientific staff, with competences in the textile and clothing processes and in the new application markets namely for technical products. This pilot unit is essentially devoted to demonstration/reengineering and for product/process development. R&D and innovation oriented to market demand is one of the major strategic lines of CITEVE and it’s structured into de following main activities:

- National and European R&D projects focused on product/process development, either by private contract either in programs co-financed by public authorities;

- Promotion, demonstration and transfer of emerging technologies and knowledge;

- As important activities that supports the innovation strategy, technology watch, benchmarking and IPR management are also available competences.

Consulting: Consulting and technological development also includes the sustainable production area, integrating services and expertise in LCA, environmental technologies, energy management, health and safety, waste management and quality management. This knowledge is based in a specific Department, which is also responsible for the STEP© (Sustainable Textile Production Certification), Green Textiles Initiative© and the Green Target Methodology©

IPR: Although priority is given to technology and knowledge transfer to industry, CITEVE has more 25 IPR’s registered, some of it licensed and a significant number of scientific and technical articles published in various publications.

Fashion & Design: Regarding fashion and product design, either with its own staff, either with a private sourcing network, CITEVE provides its clients with a portfolio of information in fashion and market trends. This team observes and combines consumer behaviour with product and fashion trends, providing companies with an integrated product intelligence information package. The development and anticipated presentation of fashion trends, by market and by product, for each season, can be customised for each company or for groups of companies.

Training: CITEVE provides the textile & clothing sector with a training portfolio that aims to help companies in their evolution process to the technological and market mutations namely by acting in their human capital. This line of activity is structured in 4 main pillars: Initial qualification; Training of active workers; professional up-grade and specialization and top managers training; These training activities are complemented with projects oriented to youth motivation for textiles & clothing, production of training support material, e-learning and social responsibility projects.

Public Policy: With a very close relation with companies and a high level knowledge of the sector performance and reality, CITEVE also plays an important role in the definition and implementation of public policy, even acting as a working force to implementation and enforcement, through a close cooperation of national public governmental organizations. In the same sense, CITEVE cooperates regularly with different services and units within European Commission.