Featured projects

Textile waste as a resource

From textile waste to material resources in a grave to cradle perspective: How can a multidisciplinary approach to waste reduction contribute to reduce the material flow and turning waste into material resources? This is a project that aims to reverse the classical LCA and start with what we generally see as the end result. But the project also aims to take a deep look at the consumers' role in the life cycle of textiles and clothing, including how we care for what we buy.

How may a reverse life cycle approach to ecological design increase our understanding of the potentials and barriers for change?

How can this approach contribute to reduce the material flow along the value chain, and increase the re-use and recycling of the textiles?

To which degree can designers contribute in turning waste into material resources, and what is the potential for up-scaling niche innovations in to mass production?

What is the role of political authorities in overcoming barriers for change and how are they able to stimulate the reduction of the material flow?

 

Can textile waste prove to be a valuable resource?

 

What can be done by product-design to reduce the impact of the washing process, through new washing habits and choice of materials.

 

These are some of the questions being asked in this on-going research project, run by the Norwegian National Institute for Consumer Research (www.sifo.no) with several stakeholders as partners, among others NICE. We will update you on research results through this web-site.