OUR HISTORY

Nearly 70 Years of Textile Innovation Dedicated to Protection

From mountain clothing to professional protective equipment, one ambition has remained unchanged: designing technical garments for the most demanding environments.

Since the late 1950s, FRANCITAL has developed textile expertise rooted in the world of mountaineering, technical innovation and real-world performance requirements.

From its first waterproof garments to protective clothing designed to resist chainsaw cuts, our history reflects a continuous evolution: from clothing to technical equipment, and from equipment to protection.

1950s — Our Origins in the Mountains

Founded in the Loire region of France in the late 1950s, FRANCITAL specialised from the outset in manufacturing technical clothing designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Among its earliest products were garments for French Alpine military troops, made from tightly woven and coated cotton fabrics.

Robust and protective against wind, rain and snow, these garments already reflected a founding principle: clothing must meet the real demands of its users.

1960s–1970s — Innovation for Greater Freedom of Movement

During the 1960s, working alongside Italian textile manufacturers, FRANCITAL introduced new lightweight, waterproof synthetic fabrics.

This innovation led to the development of compact rainwear and garments that could be folded into their own carrying pockets, produced on a large scale for military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts.

In the early 1970s, a decisive encounter marked a turning point. Philippe CARDIS, a mountain guide and sailor from Chamonix, designed a long parka combining waterproof protection and thermal insulation.

FRANCITAL transformed his prototype into an innovative technical garment, combining new materials, thermal protection and breathability.

The CARDIS jacket was born.

Adopted by mountain guides, ski instructors, ski patrol teams, mountaineers, sailors and hunters, it accompanied expeditions around the world. More than one million jackets were sold.

1980s — Mastering Technical Textiles

The arrival of waterproof and breathable membranes marked a new era in mountain clothing.

FRANCITAL was among the first garment manufacturers to master seam-sealing techniques associated with GORE-TEX® fabrics.

The company also developed its own waterproof and breathable membrane technology, MP+.

In 1984, FRANCITAL created the VERTICAL brand to distinguish its sports collections from its professional clothing activities.

This period consolidated a core expertise: combining advanced materials, garment design and manufacturing techniques to produce high-performance technical clothing.

2000s — From Equipment to Protection

At the turn of the 2000s, FRANCITAL entered a new phase by developing personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly clothing designed to protect against chainsaw cuts.

To support this specialisation, the company established closer ties with SOFILETA, a technical textile specialist belonging to the French industrial group SOPATEX.

FRANCITAL's integration into the SOPATEX Group marked a major industrial turning point. Relocating to the Dauphiné region, the company became FRANCITAL ENVIRONNEMENT.

This partnership brought together decades of technical clothing experience and advanced textile expertise, particularly in the development of cut-resistant protective solutions.

Forestry protection progressively became the core business of FRANCITAL ENVIRONNEMENT.

Today — Textile Expertise for Demanding Professions

Building on this heritage, FRANCITAL ENVIRONNEMENT designs and develops protective clothing and equipment for professionals working in demanding environments.

Our historical expertise in chainsaw protection serves loggers, arborists and forestry professionals.

Over time, this expertise has expanded to address other risks and applications, particularly landscaping, brushcutting and hunting.

With the CERBERE collection, FRANCITAL applies its expertise in cut and puncture resistance to protective clothing for hunting beaters and dog handlers exposed to the risks of wild boar attacks.

The Strength of a French Industrial Textile Group

Being part of the French SOPATEX Group is a major advantage for FRANCITAL ENVIRONNEMENT.

Through the industrial expertise of the group and its partners, we benefit from a textile value chain covering essential processes: warping, weaving, knitting, dyeing, textile finishing and fabric lamination.

This close connection with textile manufacturing allows us to contribute from the earliest stages of material development, adapt technical solutions to identified risks and control the key stages of product development.

From raw material selection to garment manufacturing, including testing, certification and quality control, FRANCITAL favours an integrated approach to protection.

Our industrial organisation draws on French and European expertise, together with partner manufacturing facilities located in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

This structure contributes to technical control, traceability and consistent manufacturing quality.

Innovation Dedicated to Protection

Innovation has always been a driving force behind our development.

Today, it is reflected in several complementary areas of expertise.

Forestry Protection

Equipment developed to meet the demands of forestry professionals and the risks associated with chainsaw use.

Hunting Protection

Expertise in cut and puncture resistance applied to protective clothing for hunting beaters and dog handlers.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Technical fabrics and garment constructions designed to support freedom of movement and withstand demanding working conditions.

Eco-Design

Through our GREEN IMPACT initiative, we incorporate documented environmental criteria into the development of selected products, particularly in material selection and textile treatments.

ROBIN, a Symbol of Our Identity

Clever, curious and closely connected to the forest, ROBIN, our emblematic woodpecker, embodies the spirit of innovation at FRANCITAL ENVIRONNEMENT.

His name pays tribute to the heritage of French botany and arboriculture.

Beyond his role as a mascot, ROBIN symbolises our connection with nature, ingenuity and our continuous search for protective solutions adapted to professional needs.

A Story That Continues to Unfold

For nearly 70 years, FRANCITAL has continued to develop its expertise alongside advances in textile technology and changing user needs.

While materials, technologies and professions have evolved, our ambition remains unchanged: to design technical equipment that provides effective protection without compromising comfort, functionality or freedom of movement.

FRANCITAL ENVIRONNEMENT — Textile Expertise Dedicated to Your Protection.