How do we design realistic and scalable solutions to the problem of growing amounts of textile waste?

That question brought together designers, researchers, waste experts and industry players for an intensive full-day workshop organized by VIA University College, Kretslopp och vatten, Gothenburg City, and Wargön Innovation as part of the SorTex project's efforts to strengthen the development of future circular business models.

From waste to the raw material of the future

The workshop had one clear goal: To explore how we can transform difficult-to-recycle textile fractions - such as multi-layer materials and mixed textiles - into valuable resources and new business opportunities.

“The workshop was clear proof that it requires interdisciplinary collaboration and visionary thinking to lift textile waste out of the trash and give it real and scalable value.” ( Poul-Erik Jørgensen, Research Center for Textiles, Design and Circularity at VIA University College).

The participants worked on specific challenges and asked questions that do not yet have clear answers:

For example, can you 3D print with old polyester t-shirts? How do you create real value – and not just more products that no one wants?

“We must find solutions that are needed – not create needs. So we don’t need more dog jackets or tote bags in the world.” (Malene Pilgaard Harsaae, Research Center for Textiles, Design and Circularity at VIA University College)

Key points and landmarks from the day:

- Think visionarily – not just down to earth. We need to use our imagination and think far beyond existing systems and products.

- Look beyond the textile industry's own value chains. The textile challenge must not be solved in isolation – but in collaboration with other industries, technologies and actors.

- Design as a strategic tool. Design and innovation must be central elements when we create business models that have both sustainable impact and market relevance.

- Business models that are based on real needs. It's not just about developing new products – but about solving real problems and creating systemic improvements.

SorTex – business models that build bridges

The workshop is one of several activities in the SorTex project's work package on business models. Here we work to identify new uses for textile waste and develop collaborations that connect waste streams with innovation capacity and market needs.

The purpose is to ensure that more textile fractions become raw materials for new products and value chains – and do not simply end up incinerated.

We thank all participants for their strong commitment, concrete insights and willingness to think new things. We look forward to seeing the ideas develop further under the auspices of SorTex.