The project is an international collaboration where innovation, technology, and design workshops will be strengthened to address the major environmental challenges of our time and increase the possibilities for sustainable production and a circular economy.
The Icelandic part focuses on textiles, as wool and textiles have played a crucial role in Icelandic history. The Icelandic Textile Center in Blönduós will be strengthened as a center for development and creation in textiles, and the University of Iceland will research the history and background of textiles, cultural heritage, and craft knowledge, with an emphasis on the contributions and entrepreneurship of women. Special emphasis is placed on wool and its environmentally friendly use.
The project’s goal is to revitalize culturally significant industrial areas in Europe and use the existing cultural heritage as inspiration for a future in the spirit of the circular economy and sustainability. The gender and equality dimension of the project aims to examine the gender aspect when it comes to sustainability and the circular economy. Among other things, it asks how textiles and crafts can take a step into the future in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.
Textiles are the fourth largest environmental factor for individuals after housing, transportation, and food. With fast fashion, the production of clothes has greatly increased and they end up in the trash faster. It is an important societal goal to counteract this development and find viable solutions for the future.
Funding
The funding for the project comes from the European Research Council (ERC) under the Horizon 2020 (H2020) program, covering the period from 2020 to 2024.
