Textile and Habiliment Reuse for the Environment and NPA Area Development
The main goal of THREADs is to create better ways of collecting and sorting textile waste in the NPA region. This project works to improve how old clothing and fabrics are collected, sorted, and treated so they can be reused or recycled, benefiting local governments and other groups involved in waste management.
The project will implement a range of innovative approaches across the textile lifecycle—from design to disposal. This initiative includes trialing smart waste collection methods, enhancing circular practices, and integrating social inclusion initiatives in circularity efforts. Additionally, the project will explore new business models to support sustainable practices.
| Project Information |
|---|
| Project Duration: 01.10.2024 - 30.09.2027 |
| Funded By: Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic |
| Project Coordinator: Kajaani University of Applied Sciences |
| Partners: Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, The Municipality of Kittilä, Kiertokaari Ltd, Remiks Husholdning AS, Western Development Commission, University of Boras, Technological University of the Shannon, Icelandic Textile Center, Lulea Miljoresurs AB |
| Total Budget: €1,505,194.80 |
| WDC Budget: €187,637.44 |
THREADs project partners are cooperating together and exchanging knowledge and experiences to:
THREADs focuses on gathering knowledge, developing technology and processes, and mapping out facilities to help manage textile waste more effectively. By working together through research, pilot projects, and new partnerships, the project aims to build a shared approach to sustainable textile waste management, supporting a shift toward a circular textile and fashion industry.
Another important part of THREADs is improving the quality of collected textile waste. This includes giving guidance on factors that affect waste quality and raising environmental awareness through communication activities.
THREADs aims to show how circular products, closed-loop systems, and sustainable technologies can be designed, applied, and scaled within the textile industry. This involves rethinking product design to meet upcoming regulations prioritizing remanufacturing and recycling.
It also seeks to support the spread of new circular products, services, and processes through international collaboration, bringing together industry, education, policymakers, citizens, and social enterprises.
Additionally, the project aims to inspire designers and consumers to rethink textile resources, like unsold stock and waste, to extend product lifespan, adopt circular systems, and uncover new business opportunities.
THREADs aims to strengthen social enterprises (SEs) by enhancing opportunities for both existing and new SEs, while showcasing their significant role in textile circularity within NPA communities. To address challenges and leverage opportunities, the project will organise interactive, cross-border events and workshops that foster collaboration and innovation.
A key focus is to highlight the unique role SEs play in promoting sustainability, diversity, and inclusiveness. The project recognises the valuable contributions that groups like young people, the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, minorities, and immigrants can bring to these efforts. Through a range of activities, participants from diverse backgrounds will engage in mutually beneficial ways, ultimately enriching both the SEs and the communities they serve.
Additionally, the project seeks to identify and promote opportunities for SEs to grow in the textile sector, offering guidance to help them achieve this expansion and increase their impact.
The lead project partner for THREAD is the Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, Finland.
EU Projects Development Executive
EU Projects Communications Officer