Sustainable Textile

"<< Background >>We applied for this project driven by the recognition that the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), and the Industrial Strategy had identified textiles as a pivotal sector for steering the EU towards a carbon-neutral circular economy. With the announcement of an EU strategy on textiles, it became evident that textiles and clothing constitute an industrial ecosystem with a significant impact on both the economy and the environment. EITD started by analysing the EU context regarding the project theme, ran the needs analysis and found that south European countries are the countries that are most working on the textile sector. So, the partners aimed to address these challenges by contributing to a comprehensive set of measures. These measures involve implementing a sustainable product framework with eco-design measures, empowering businesses and consumers to choose sustainable textiles, providing guidance for high levels of separate collection of textile waste, and enhancing the sorting, reuse, and recycling of textiles. Through the ""Sustainable Textile"" initiative, we developed a curriculum applicable to any VET school, based on research highlighting approaches for improving design for sustainability.<< Objectives >>The overall objective of the project was to contribute to accelerate the transition towards a regenerative growth model that gives back to the planet more than it takes. This will happen through developing and teaching a curricula to the textile industry players. The specific objectives of the project are:• Accelerating transformational change required by the European Green Deal• Contribute to lower the GGH• Contribute to having less waste, more value• Contribute to decreasing the “fast-fashion’ phenomenon”• Ensure coherence and complementarity with initiatives under the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Industrial Strategy• Facilitate and encourage an optimal use of the recovery plan and sustainable investment, in particular in production processes, design, new materials, new business models, infrastructure and capacity• Step up reuse and recycling efforts<< Implementation >>A1.1 Preparation The kickoff meeting, held 6th and 7th March 2023 in Naples, Italy with the participation of four key collaborators from Iroko DFS and from EITDA1.2 Management This activity for project management, continuous dissemination, project monitoring, communication, quality assurance, interaction with stakeholdersA2.1 Research on approaches for sustainability An extensive research conducted to explore sustainable approaches in design, going deep into the three approaches ""Fashion zero waste"" ""Collaboration between cutting and packing"" and ""Traditional dipping from India""A2.2 Guideline on how to use the identified methods practically Partners transformed the desk research into a guideline focused on the application of identified methods within sustainable design practices within various phases of the textile industry, emphasising their role in mitigating the negative impact on the climateA3 Developing curricula and workshops Each partner organised three workshops targeting textile players in their national contexts on topics such achieving high levels of separate textile waste collections, promoting sustainable production processes, and comparing traditional dipping methods with 3D printing in manufacturing<< Results >>The realised outcomes of the project areA Research endeavours to identify and implement approaches for enhancing design for sustainabilityDevelopment of a VET curriculum training textile industry players on achieving high levels of separate textile waste collection and promoting sustainable production processesImmaterial results areThe seamless integration of circular economy principles benefiting individuals, regions, and citiesA heightened competitive edge, sustainability and resilience in the EU textile sectorConsistency and demonstrated alignment with European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, and Industrial Strategy initiativesEmpowered businesses consistently choosing sustainable textile practicesSuccessful awareness workshops among target groups emphasising the critical importance of combating climate changeDeepened understanding among partners and stakeholders resulting in more effective solutions tailored to organisational needs.Marked improvement in the transversal skills of project partnersThe developed curriculum intends to address labour market needs, showcasing a program that blends vocational skills and work-based learning opportunities."