The city of Antequera is about to take a giant leap forward in sustainability thanks to an initiative by the Sando Group. Through its environmental division, Althenia, the company has set its sights on the Malaga municipality to build what will be the first textile processing infrastructure throughout Andalusia. Until now, our community has lagged somewhat behind other regions like Catalonia or Valencia in this area, but the arrival of this center promises to level the playing field and place us at the forefront of the circular economy.
The project is no small matter, as it involves transforming the former Recambios La Paz warehouse, located on the Córdoba road, into a top-tier technology center. With a investment that is around five million eurosThe Malaga-based company is seeking to address a pressing need, especially given the new European regulations requiring municipalities to implement separate collection of clothing and footwear. The city council has already granted the necessary permits, so the plan is progressing smoothly and is expected to begin operations in early 2027.
Technology and capacity for efficient management
What they intend to do in these 4.000 square meter facilities is quite significant. The idea is to process nothing less than 3,3 million kilos of textile material each year. To give you an idea of ​​the level of sophistication, 80% of the total investment will be allocated directly to heavy machinery and state-of-the-art technological solutions. The plant will not only receive clothing from municipal containers, but also plans to close deals with industry giants like Mayoral to manage their surplus or waste.
Once the clothing arrives at the plant, the process is extremely meticulous. First, a manual sorting is carried out to separate the different components, such as polyester or cotton, and then they are given a treatment to obtain new raw materialsFrom here, threads and fibers will be produced, ready to re-enter the production cycle, preventing tons of fabric from ending up in a landfill. What is no longer recyclable will not be wasted, as it will be converted into fuel for the cement industry due to its high calorific value.
Social impact and revitalization of the local fabric
Beyond the production figures, what truly makes this project shine is its human aspect. The plant's commissioning will entail the creation of approximately 25 jobs direct jobs in the area. But be aware, this isn't just any job: priority will be given to hiring people with disabilities. To this end, Althenia plans to collaborate closely with social organizations like ADIPA, which already has extensive experience in recycling other materials and knows the area well.
Mayor Manuel Barón has made no secret of his satisfaction at seeing Antequera continue to attract investments of this magnitude. The city, which already boasts a presence of major names like Leroy Merlin and DÃa, and is awaiting the arrival of IKEA, is consolidating its position as a unbeatable logistics and industrial hub In the heart of Andalusia. This diversification of local industry towards green sectors is a masterstroke to ensure the municipality's economic future, demonstrating that caring for the planet and business development can perfectly go hand in hand.
This ambitious initiative by the Sando Group not only addresses the lack of textile processing centers in southern Spain, but also reinforces Antequera's image as a modern city committed to the environmental challenges of the 21st century. With an eye toward 2027, the combination of cutting-edge technology and social commitment This will allow millions of kilos of clothing to have a second life, generating local wealth and laying the foundations for a much more sensible and environmentally friendly production model.
