Top 10 Best Textile Manufacturers in South Holland

South Holland's Textile Heritage

South Holland has a rich textile history. In the seventeenth century, Leiden was one of Europe's leading centres of cloth production, with thousands of workers producing wool fabrics that were traded worldwide. The city's Museum De Lakenhal, housed in the former cloth hall, still celebrates this heritage. Although large-scale textile manufacturing later shifted to regions such as Twente and eventually overseas, the province retains a strong connection to the textile industry.

Today, South Holland's textile sector focuses on specialised products, design, distribution and circular innovation. The port of Rotterdam serves as a gateway for textile imports and exports, while companies in the region produce window coverings, natural fibre products and textiles for industry. The province also benefits from strong links with manufacturers elsewhere in the Netherlands that supply its businesses.

How We Selected These Manufacturers

We selected companies based in or closely serving South Holland that manufacture or develop textiles, with attention to quality, innovation, sustainability and market relevance. The list includes companies with operations in the province and leading Dutch manufacturers that are important suppliers to the region.

The Top 10 Textile Manufacturers Serving South Holland

1. Hunter Douglas

Hunter Douglas, headquartered in Rotterdam, is a global leader in window coverings and architectural products. It designs and manufactures blinds, shades and fabrics used in homes and commercial buildings worldwide. Its fabric innovations combine design, light control and energy efficiency.

2. Enkev

Enkev, based in Rotterdam, specialises in natural fibre products made from materials such as coconut fibre, wool and horsehair. Its products are used in bedding, furniture, automotive and horticulture, offering sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials.

3. Zeeman

Zeeman, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, is a well-known textile retailer that develops its own collections of basic clothing and household textiles. The company works closely with manufacturers and is known for its focus on affordable quality and increasingly sustainable production.

4. TenCate

TenCate is a Dutch leader in technical textiles, producing materials for protective clothing, geotextiles and artificial turf. Its geotextiles are used in infrastructure and coastal protection projects, which are highly relevant in a low-lying province like South Holland.

5. HAVEP

HAVEP is a Dutch manufacturer of workwear and protective clothing. Many companies in the Rotterdam port and industrial area rely on its garments to protect employees in demanding environments, from chemical plants to construction sites.

6. Tricorp

Tricorp produces workwear for sectors such as logistics, construction, hospitality and healthcare. Its practical, durable garments are widely used by businesses across South Holland.

7. Vlisco

Vlisco is a renowned Dutch textile company famous for its colourful wax print fabrics, which are especially popular in West and Central Africa. Its designs showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of the Dutch textile tradition.

8. Frankenhuis

Frankenhuis is a Dutch textile recycling company that sorts and processes used textiles into new fibres and products. It plays an important role in creating a circular textile economy in the Netherlands.

9. Wieland Textiles

Wieland Textiles collects and sorts used clothing and textiles, finding new uses for them through reuse and recycling. The company contributes to reducing textile waste and supporting circular production.

10. Sympany

Sympany is a Dutch social enterprise that collects and recycles textiles, including in municipalities across South Holland. It aims to give textiles a second life while supporting social projects.

Trends in the Textile Industry

The Dutch textile industry is embracing sustainability and circularity. Extended producer responsibility for textiles requires producers and importers to take responsibility for collecting and recycling their products. Companies are investing in recycled fibres, natural materials and transparent supply chains. Technical textiles for infrastructure, healthcare and protective clothing are growing segments. Digital technologies, such as 3D design and on-demand production, are reducing waste and enabling local production.

Industries That Depend on Textiles in South Holland

Textiles play a quiet but essential role in the regional economy. The port and petrochemical sector relies on flame-resistant and high-visibility workwear. Coastal defence and water management projects use geotextiles to reinforce dikes, dunes and riverbanks. Hospitals and care institutions in Rotterdam, Leiden and The Hague require large volumes of medical and hygiene textiles, while the hospitality sector depends on linens and uniforms. Horticulture in the Westland uses screening cloths and fibre-based growing media. This broad demand gives textile manufacturers a stable and varied customer base in the province.

Opportunities for South Holland

South Holland's strengths in logistics, design and innovation create opportunities for textile companies. The port of Rotterdam can serve as a hub for circular textile flows, while research institutions in Delft and Leiden contribute to material innovation. Collaboration between manufacturers, recyclers and brands can help the province become a leader in sustainable textiles.

Choosing a Textile Manufacturer

When selecting a textile partner, consider product quality, sustainability certifications, production capacity and flexibility. Ask about the origin of materials, working conditions in the supply chain and options for recycling or take-back. Local or regional partners can offer shorter lead times and closer collaboration.

Conclusion

From Leiden's historic cloth industry to Rotterdam's modern window fabric and natural fibre producers, South Holland continues to play a meaningful role in the textile sector. The companies above, ranging from Hunter Douglas and Enkev to workwear specialists and circular innovators, demonstrate the creativity and sustainability shaping the industry today.