Tradition and innovation in textiles: Cangioli between ethics, sustainability, and creativity for a sustainable future

On the occasion of the National Made in Italy Day, the Municipality of Prato – Department of Economic Development – together with the Casa delle Tecnologie Emergenti PRISMA Prato celebrates manufacturing excellence with the radio marathon “Made in Italy: Between Identity and Innovation in the Textile Manufacturing Sector of Prato”, in collaboration with White Radio and Fondazione PIN.

We had the pleasure of sharing our story and our commitment to a sustainable future alongside PRISMA and White Radio, in an interview with Ginevra Nicelli, our Sustainability Coordinator. It was a valuable opportunity to show how, for over 160 years, we have been weaving the strength of tradition with the energy of innovation and a creative, responsible vision for the future.

The values that guide our work today are woven – just like the threads of a fabric – into the history of the company and the people who bring it to life every day. Ethics, creativity, innovation, and sustainability are not just abstract principles: they have become an integral part of our corporate culture.

Cangioli began as a small artisan workshop and has gradually evolved into a solid and structured industrial enterprise. Its roots go back over 160 years, but its true strength lies in how it has evolved those values over time, keeping them alive and consistent with today’s challenges. While sustainability might seem like the most recent of these principles, it has always been part of our vision. Today, with greater awareness, we integrate it into every aspect of the production process.

In our approach, creativity is closely tied to curiosity and the ability to stand out; innovation stems from experience and continuous research; and ethics is the common thread that allows us to care for our work, our people, and the environment.

Full control of the internal supply chain is one of the key strengths of our production model. We have in-depth knowledge of every phase of the process: from yarn to machinery, to resource consumption and chemical treatments. This allows us not only to ensure high-quality standards but also to intervene quickly and efficiently when any issues arise.

Another crucial aspect is the constant communication between the production and commercial teams – a daily dialogue that enables us to quickly adapt to customer needs while maintaining an agile production process that’s always aligned with our sustainability goals.

Additionally, there’s a strong sense of belonging within the company: employees who have been with us for many years pass down their knowledge and experience to younger colleagues, helping to build a shared and lasting expertise.

Our in-house quality laboratory is an integral part of the production process: we carry out up to five checks throughout the fabric’s journey – from yarn, weaving, dyeing, and finishing, to final pre-shipment inspection.

All tests are performed by a highly specialized team, led by our colleague Daniele, who coordinates over 30,000 tests each year. This system allows us to provide speed, traceability, and reliability, while also avoiding the environmental impact of sending samples to external labs.

For our clients, this translates into maximum transparency, guaranteed performance, and compliance with the sustainability standards demanded by the market – and by our own conscience. It’s a daily commitment, but it’s also what sets us apart.