Promoting our local region
SDG 11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
At Sotexpro, we believe in the power of projects that bring people together.
We support local and international initiatives that contribute to the vitality of communities, whether they are cultural, social, or charitable.
Sponsorship, heritage preservation, partnerships with non-profits… we channel our energy into supporting those who act for a more inclusive and sustainable world.
By investing in positive-impact actions, we actively participate in building resilient and responsible communities.
Revitalizing a declining textile employment hub
We believe in the power of collective projects and are actively committed to corporate sponsorship to support initiatives that promote education, culture, and local development. In this way, we contribute to projects that directly benefit local communities while preserving our shared heritage.
Revitalizing a declining textile employment hub
Panissières is located in the Forez region, an area that has seen over 80% of its textile jobs disappear since 1990. In this context, Sotexpro’s commitment to maintaining industrial activity plays a key role in local economic resilience. By keeping its operations in Panissières, the company:
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Preserves skilled jobs in a low-population-density area.
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Prevents the loss of expertise (garment making, finishing) that is often passed down locally.
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Supports local residential stability: 90% of employees live within a 30 km radius, anchoring families, life paths, and services within the region.
Economic ripple effects on a rural territory: Sotexpro’s activity generates significant positive externalities for the local economic ecosystem within a rural fabric.
Maintaining and developing local services:
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Local businesses (bakeries, supermarkets, cafés) benefit from a stable local customer base thanks to the presence of jobs.
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Crafts and subcontracting: industrial maintenance, logistics, transport, and mechanical needs support neighboring businesses.
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Indirectly strengthened public services: stable economic activity helps limit the closure of schools, post offices, or medical services.
These effects are particularly important in the context of the fragility of French rural areas, which are often faced with business closures, a loss of attractiveness, and population isolation.
Support for the rehabilitation of the former Loire-Piquet factory
As part of our commitment to local heritage and the promotion of textile expertise, we have chosen to become a sponsor for the renovation and rehabilitation project of the former Loire-Piquet weaving mill in Panissières.
This project, led by the municipality, aims to create a genuine community space, accessible to all, and designed to warmly welcome everyone. It is part of an initiative to pass on and highlight the region’s rich textile heritage.
Thanks to the new museum trail, run by the Tie and Textile Museum, this initiative will promote local businesses, showcase the historic and contemporary expertise of the region, and strengthen the link between tradition and innovation within the textile industry.
Sponsorship of the “48h de la Création Textile” Festival in Panissières (42)
The event aims to promote local know-how, encourage the circular economy, and raise public awareness of the environmental challenges within the textile industry. By creating a space for exchange and collaboration, the festival helps redefine sector practices and promotes sustainable and recycled materials.
Our involvement with the festival illustrates our commitment to supporting creative and sustainable initiatives, while contributing to the preservation of our environment and the growth of local craftsmanship.
Working conditions for the well-being of our employees
In 2024, we made an in-kind donation to the ALICE association, consisting of textile items with a total value of €172,419.
For 25 years, ALICE has been dedicated to providing humanitarian support and fostering medical exchanges between countries in need and our region. Through this donation, we contribute to strengthening its actions and extending the life cycle of our products, while participating in a supportive and responsible initiative.
Supporting Culture: Sotexpro, sponsor of the Contre-Temps vocal ensemble
While its first performances shocked audiences, Bizet’s Carmen is now one of the most performed operas in the world.
Sotexpro is proud to support the Contre-Temps vocal ensemble, which performs classical music concerts (choir, lyrical orchestra, and soloists) every June in Lyon.
In 2025, Bizet’s Carmen took center stage, performed by 100 singers from the Contre-Temps and Le Cantrel de Lyon choirs, accompanied by the ensemble 6/5 barré, under the baton of the young conductor Guillemette Daboval. A brand-new concert version… featuring a few surprises!
Photo: © Charlotte Jankovic
Acting for the planet
Our actions to reduce our environmental footprint and develop increasingly responsible products.
Committing to people
Our initiatives to ensure a stimulating, inclusive, and respectful working environment.
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