Background

Clothing waste is generated throughout the entire textile value chain—from production through retail to consumption. One of the most effective ways to combat this is to consume less and choose more durable products—this is environmentally necessary, but it also means lower revenue from traditional new sales for companies in the textile sector. To ensure this transition remains economically viable, new business models and innovations are needed that no longer rely solely on volume growth.

Project Objectives

The project team is developing application-oriented visions and business models for waste prevention in the textile sector that create environmental, economic, and social benefits for all stakeholders. From these, it derives policy recommendations that are politically feasible.

Approach

In three interrelated work packages, the project team uses social science and life cycle assessment methods to examine influencing factors and scope for action along the textile value chain. The findings are incorporated into vision-development workshops and so-called “thinking-at-the-edge” workshops, where they are further developed into practical business models. In addition, the team develops educational content and supports the transfer of knowledge into practice and education.