Bulgarian textile industry

BULGARIA -

SPRING 2023

According to Dean Manev, the vice chairman of the Bulgarian Fashion Association, the Bulgarian textile industry must focus on generating sufficient profit to support sustainability efforts. Without profitability, there is limited opportunity to prioritize sustainable practices. In Bulgaria, smaller production volumes are often considered more sustainable, as they allow factories to maintain higher quality in both fabric selection and garment finishing. However, when factories are required to produce larger quantities, this can negatively impact quality.

Investments in the Textile Industry

While fabric production in Bulgaria is limited, many factories are owned by Italian companies. Since Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007, the country has attracted significant textile production, with major investments in modern technology. Despite these advancements, Bulgaria remains one of the most cost-effective European countries for producing high-quality clothing.

The trip focused on visiting several smaller companies that have sustained their businesses by producing in smaller quantities while maintaining a focus on high quality. Some of these studios, which are more craft-based, employ seamstresses who create entire garment sets, catering to high-end European fashion brands.

Textile Production in Bulgaria: Large and Small Factories

Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s four primary textile hubs, has a population of 150,000 and features factories ranging from 20 employees to large operations with up to 1,000 workers. These factories focus on a variety of sectors, including clothing, footwear, and underwear. Bulgarian factories are known for their high-quality facilities and equipment, enabling efficient production. Some factories have adopted sustainable practices, such as using solar panels for energy and managing production waste in ways that contribute to circular production. However, the responsibility ultimately falls on fashion brands to ensure their production limits environmental impact, such as by reducing resource consumption.

Notable Companies in the Bulgarian Textile Industry

  • Bulammas MTM Fashion specializes in producing men’s suits and shirts, using high-quality materials such as pure cotton and wool from Italian supplier Draco. They operate with a "made to order" and "made to measurement" business model.

  • Texcycle, a leader in textile sorting, transforms collected used textiles into recycled yarns and fabrics, serving industries like automotive manufacturing and acoustic paneling. Texcycle is also involved in several European development projects focused on sustainability.

  • Gentlemen’s Tailoring produces custom-tailored suits and wedding dresses. While this market is niche in Denmark, it remains a cherished tradition in South and Eastern Europe, providing a strong economic base. The company is well-known in Romania and attracts customers globally due to the high quality of its suits.

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The history, properties and production of fibers