Hopaal: the eco-designed clothing brand
from France and the Basque Country
Created in 2017, Hopaal‘s concept is to make eco-designed clothes that are as environmentally friendly as possible. Made as locally as possible, all the clothes are now made in France from recycled materials. After having identified materials that can be recycled, Hopaal, in its production workshops, recovers these materials and recreates fabric threads ready to be used for a new production of clothes.
Committed to the circular economy in the Basque Country since 2018, Clément, the founder of the brand, chose to set up in Biarritz thanks to the support of Basque Invest.
Why set up a circular economy company in the Basque Country?
Establishing its responsible clothing brand in the Basque Country was a logical move for the founders of the brand. Indeed, the clothes are inspired by the “surfing” style and the environment that the Basque territory offers us: the ocean, the beach, the waves… The values of the brand correspond completely to the lifestyle of the Basque Country, between surfing, respect of nature and our environment, and more local consumption.
The Basque Country was also a land of opportunity to launch their brand in the circular economy. Indeed, when they called François Applagnat from Basque Invest, they had the opportunity to set up their company in the Olatu Leku business incubator in Anglet. Soon, in 2019, they had the opportunity to open a shop in Biarritz in order to develop their business and establish themselves locally.
The circular economy sector in the Basque Country is dynamic and evolving, thanks to companies such as Hopaal, or Patatam, which have the ambition to change the way we consume. Thanks to François’ help, Clément was able to meet various structures, such as EuroSIMA and CETIA (a center set up by ESTIA, which aims to support companies in setting up processes for more responsible fashion, and which is already working with some of the big names in French fashion, such as Decathlon, Eram, Pyrenex…).
Basque Invest's support to the founders of the Hopaal brand
François Applagnat is committed to support the founders in their establishment in the Basque Country, following several strategic stages of their development:
- Presentation of the textile and circular economy sectors in the Basque Country, and in particular the success story of Patatam
- Helping to relocate clothing production through a new linen and cotton chain and sourcing cross-border suppliers
- Linking up with EuroSIMA and CETIA to create synergies around textile recycling and the board sports industry
- Search for financial aid from the Nouvelle Aquitaine region
- Search for premises for the company and the shop
- Presentation of potential investors
Today, Hopaal is starting a new stage in its activity by increasing its capital. Basque Invest is proud to support them again in this new phase, helping them to find new shareholders.