Textile design method for future-proof up-cycling

Important results from the project

The project aimed to contribute to a circular product development process that ensures resource-efficiency across different industry disciplines, where purchasing aspects as well as regulations are integrated with product development and materials research. The project has initiated guidance for sustainable and resilient material choices already at the idea stage when developing a new product. The project has also contributed to routines on how purchasing requirements linked to recycled materials can guarantee functionality and customer value for the end user.

Expected long term effects

Challenges and enablers for the transformation of small and medium-sized textile companies towards circularity have been identified through a combination of literature and empirical studies together with the project companies. Challenges with the buyer´s changing role in an increasingly circular economy have been identified. The project companies are now working independently with more conscious material choices with an expected effect of reducing the purchase and use of virgin materials. Furthermore, we have shown opportunities to reuse waste materials for new products.

Approach and implementation

Within the project, joint workshops and individual interviews have been conducted. Some companies have had a greater commitment and have engaged students in project assignments or degree projects, initiated collaboration between each other within the project´s scope and invited company visits. The geographical spread from Belgium to Östersund, together with the focus on sustainability, has prevented the project members from meeting physically. Compared to other, more locally based projects, we can see that this has had a negative impact on collaboration and engagement.