Weaving more than just fine yarns – Lietlinen’s journey through 25 years of linen excellence

Nestled in the industrial heart of Kaunas, the Lithuanian linen yarn producer Lietlinen quietly celebrates a remarkable legacy. Founded in 2000 and with its first production line launched in 2001, the company has been weaving more than just fine yarns – it has been spinning a story of resilience, innovation, and international collaboration.

An unprecedented journey

At the helm of Lietlinen stands Ruta Starkiene, a woman who knows the factory’s every corner and machine, having been with the company since its earliest days. Appointed president in 2023, Starkiene’s journey mirrors the company’s own – growing from humble beginnings into a respected name in the linen industry.

“I’ve known this company from the very beginning. It’s become close and dear to me,” she says, with a sense of deep-rooted pride.

A European legacy in Lithuanian soil

Lietlinen was established by Italian textile giant Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale SRL, a company with over 150 years of flax-spinning heritage. Their decision to invest in Lithuania was no coincidence. The country’s historical ties to flax cultivation and processing made it a natural fit.

“Lithuanians have long upheld strong flax traditions,” Starkiene explains. “Older generations still remember when flax fields bloomed blue across the country.”

Although those fields are now fewer and farther between, interest in reviving flax cultivation is growing. While Lietlinen currently imports its flax from Normandy, France, there’s hope that Lithuanian flax might one day return to the production line.

Threads of global demand

Specializing in wet-spun linen yarns ranging from sizes 20 to 70 (with size 70 meaning one kilogram of yarn can stretch an impressive 70 kilometers), Lietlinen has remained true to its craft. However, the market has evolved, and so has the company.

Today, there's a rising demand for extra-fine yarns destined for high-fashion garments. “We always strive to adapt to our clients’ needs,” Starkiene says. 

Nearly 100 percent of Lietlinen’s production is exported to its parent company in Italy, which then distributes it to clients around the globe.

Despite having minimal presence in the domestic market, Lietlinen’s influence extends far beyond Lithuania’s borders. Alongside a sister facility in Tunisia, the Lithuanian factory remains a key player in the group’s supply chain.

Flax in flux

While the textile sector has seen vast technological progress, flax spinning remains a labor-intensive craft. Lietlinen invests each year in modernizing its equipment, gradually integrating IT systems and automation. Still, the human touch is irreplaceable.

“Flax spinning cannot do without hands,” Starkiene says. “It requires dexterity –something machines still can’t replicate.”

Yet, this very need presents a challenge. With fewer people willing to work in factories, staffing remains Lietlinen’s biggest hurdle, not a lack of orders. Most of the factory’s workers are Lithuanian women, known for their skilled handiwork, but the company also employs Ukrainian workers to meet demand.

“We’re proud of our long-standing employees – some have been with us since the very beginning,” says Starkiene.

Beyond profit: purpose and sustainability

Lietlinen doesn’t just measure success in profits. Following in the footsteps of its Italian parent company, the Lithuanian factory has earned B Corp certification, a mark of its commitment to high social and environmental standards.

“We’re proud to be part of a company that strives for positive impact,” Starkiene affirms. “We implement innovations that benefit the environment and reduce pollution.”

Operating with respect for local communities and ecosystems is embedded in the group’s philosophy, whether in Lithuania, Italy, or Tunisia.

A personal love for linen

Starkiene’s passion for linen isn’t just professional – it’s personal.

“I love all natural fabrics, but linen is my favorite,” she says with a smile. “Of course, you have to accept that linen garments always look a bit wrinkled. That’s part of their charm.”

It’s a sentiment that resonates with many: linen’s imperfections are part of its identity. From flax fields to fashion runways, it remains a fabric of authenticity, history, and enduring beauty.