In 1995, João Clara de Assunção returned to Manteigas from Lisbon to revitalize the family business, Ecolã, founded in 1925. An economist by training and the third heir to manage the humble workshop, he calls it the best decision of his life.

João saved Ecolã from extinction and began a journey that transformed it into a certified artisan company, the oldest family-owned one in Portugal.
Everything revolves around the Bordaleira Serra da Estrela wool, an indigenous breed from the region. The burel, a dense, warm, and waterproof fabric of medieval origin used by shepherds and clergy, is today produced vertically in an efficient and chemical-free process.

Today, João counts on the collaboration of the fourth generation - his daughters - as business partners and artisans.
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