Circular Innovation for a Competitive Textile Sector

The event gathered women entrepreneurs and professionals connected to the textile ecosystem to promote innovation, sustainability, and leadership within the sector.The half-day programme combined a policy-oriented breakfast debate with a practical ideathon workshop. The opening session addressed European competitiveness and sustainability within the Clean Industrial Pact framework. Elisa Roller, Director for Prosperity and Competitiveness at the Secretariat-General of the European Commission, provided insights into industrial transition, decarbonisation challenges, and the need to balance regulatory ambition with economic viability. The discussion highlighted the impact of energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and evolving EU policies on the textile value chain.

The second part of the event focused on the W4TEX project and its digital learning platform. Participants were introduced to training modules covering sustainable value chains, environmental impacts of raw materials, eco-design practices, and responsible consumption. This knowledge framework supported the ideation phase.

Participants from diverse professional backgrounds—entrepreneurship, finance, consultancy, and innovation—worked in multidisciplinary teams to address key challenges: sustainable fashion models, circular economy integration, competitiveness during industrial transition, and the environmental and social impact of fast fashion. Teams developed structured proposals and presented them for evaluation based on feasibility, innovation, sustainability impact, and scalability.

The winning concept, “From Waste to Worth”, proposed a circular business model that transforms underutilised materials into high-value, traceable products. The project stood out for its economic feasibility, clear market positioning, and scalable operational design. Importantly, sustainability was embedded as a core value proposition rather than a compliance measure.

The ideathon strengthened collaboration among women across the textile value chain and reinforced the relevance of structured training and peer exchange. Participants developed practical skills in circular business modelling, strategic sustainability integration, and competitive positioning.

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The Fashion Innovative Workshop, was the implementation of W4TEX National Ideathon in Greece, organized by KAINOTOMIA. Held on December 18–19, 2025, the event brought together participants eager to explore the intersections of fashion, sustainability, design, and innovation.

Led by Mr. Xenofon Spiliotis, the workshop guided participants through a structured and interactive learning framework focused on sustainable fashion practices, innovation, and circular economy principles. The sessions emphasized the development of green skills and the connection between creativity and social, environmental, and business impact. Participants engaged in an icebreaker activity to foster collaboration and team dynamics and then worked in groups on key challenges in the fashion industry, including fast fashion, textile and clothing recycling, and implementing circular economy practices. Each team developed and presented innovative proposals, applying problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and collaborative approaches.

The event concluded with a competitive ideation session where teams showcased complete ideas and solutions. The quality of proposals and active participation highlighted the importance of such initiatives in promoting innovation and sustainable development in the fashion sector. Participants provided highly positive feedback, describing the workshop and ideathon as well-organized and engaging, and they appreciated both the content and the supportive, collaborative environment that allowed them to fully contribute.

The W4TEX National Ideathon in Greece served as a vibrant platform for idea exchange, experimentation, and creativity. Key outcomes included the development of innovative solutions to sustainability challenges in fashion, enhancement of participants’ green and collaborative skills, promotion of circular economy approaches and sustainable practices, and strengthened awareness of social, environmental, and business impacts in fashion. Through initiatives like this, KAINOTOMIA strengthens its role in skills development and active citizen engagement, fostering creativity and innovation in the fashion industry.

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On December 6th, Civitta Ukraine successfully brought together 20 Ukrainian women working in the textile industry for the national ideathon. Despite a massive missile attack across Ukrainian cities during the night before the ideathon, the team welcomed participants from across the country, ranging from Uzhhorod to Kryvyi Rih. Some people travelled for over 10-12 hours to attend the ideathon. This shows how much the industry needs projects like “W4TEX”.

The ideathon began with inspiring short presentations, in which women introduced themselves, shared their career journeys, and presented their businesses. These stories were truly inspiring: some women had been internally displaced but still rebuilt their careers from scratch to become successful employees; some developed careers as fashion designers, consultants, and stylists; while others created bags or clothing from eco-materials, building sustainability in their business practices.

This initial round of introductions helped to build a sense of connection, creating an open and collaborative atmosphere. With this positive foundation in place, the session transitioned to its core content. The Civitta Ukraine team presented key challenges for the textile industry, which led to a very meaningful discussion, mainly because the participants of the ideathon were already working on these problems.  The challenges focused on shifting from fast fashion to sustainable business models, developing circular solutions, and creating effective systems for collecting, sorting, and recycling textiles.

With these topics defined, the event proceeded to its core format – the ideation session, where teams began developing solutions to address these specific challenges. The Civitta Ukraine team divided participants into small groups. The teams worked through a structured process: they began by brainstorming the best idea for their challenge, then developed it further, and finally prepared, practiced, and delivered their pitch to the jury.

Ultimately, the teams developed creative and practical solutions to their challenges, earning strong scores from the jury. For example, the “Reweave” team proposed collecting fabric scraps from local brands to transform them into new, usable material. “Ambasadoria” focused on building a special association only for women in the textile industry. “Adaptive ReWear” aimed to produce adaptive clothing from reused materials. “Eco-style” planned to build a community-driven system for recycling old textiles by involving pensioners. 

Most notably, the winning team, “Easy Stylist”, introduced a capsule clothing collection designed to be integrated into personal wardrobes with the help of an AI stylist. Their success came from having a strong and sustainable project concept, delivering a convincing pitch, and working excellently as a team. Now, the Civitta Ukraine team looks forward to supporting 3 women professionals at the upcoming international ideathon in Greece.

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The W4TEX National Ideathon event in Boras, Sweden started with networking coffee and an icebreaker bingo exercise, providing participants with an opportunity to introduce themselves and establish initial connections. This warm-up set a positive and energetic tone for the full day of brainstorming, knowledge sharing and creativity, aimed at generating innovative solutions for increasing sustainability and circular development within the textile industry.  

Most of the participants were women with some prior experience working with textiles both from industry and education that came either as pre-formed teams or met their collaborators at the event. Overall, the focus was on fostering a diverse and collaborative environment. 

The challenges addressed by the teams during the event were varied, creating a dynamic space for idea exchange and an engaging presentation session. Each group worked intensively throughout the day targeting different gaps in the industry, to develop proposed solutions corresponding to their selected sustainability challenges. During the day the groups were supported by mentors and were given an inspirational talk from a female entrepreneur working in sustainability. 

The selected challenges revolved around fast fashion, increasing circularity and circular services within the textile industry. The participants developed fresh and innovative ideas with an emphasis on circular approaches – such as designing the concept of a reward driven rental system, a seamstress network and an idea around strengthening sustainable behaviors through the concept of ‘girl math’. 

The event was perceived as well-organized, supportive and inspiring, enabling both creative ideation and networking. Although the pitching sessions were brief – which was viewed as challenging by some participants, this resulted in engaging pitches that were great at ‘selling’ the proposed ideas. The event overall provided an invaluable opportunity to explore industry challenges and identify ways to address improvement gaps for the industry. Participants were encouraged to devise solutions that were not only innovative but also feasible and relevant based on evaluations from a diverse panel of judges. Several participants even expressed a strong desire to continue developing their ideas post-event, as they were motivated to create these innovative and circular solutions in practice. 

The main takeaway was that the W4TEX National Ideathon in Sweden provided an ideal setting to foster networking between industry stakeholders and emerging professionals. Furthermore, the event effectively facilitated the generation of ideas addressing both social and environmental sustainability challenges and promoting circular opportunities within the textile sector. This National Ideathon also provided an excellent foundation for the transnational Ideathon, which allowed the winning team to continue to explore industry challenges in greater depth and create an even larger collaborative platform for innovation and networking across borders. 

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The W4TEX National Ideathon in Italy was held in Prato at Lottozero as part of the Erasmus+ project W4TEX – Women for a Sustainable Textile Future. The event brought together women entrepreneurs, students, young professionals, and aspiring founders active in the fashion and textile sector to collaboratively address key sustainability and innovation challenges.

The ideathon followed a participatory format combining networking, knowledge exchange, and hands-on teamwork. Participants worked in multidisciplinary teams on real business challenges presented by three Italian female entrepreneurs from the sustainable fashion ecosystem.

Guest speakers and challenges

• Giuliana Borzillo, co-founder of ID.EIGHT (sustainable footwear):
  ID.EIGHT is a footwear brand that transforms waste from the food industry into sneakers made with recycled and bio-based materials, combining design, circularity, and responsible production.
  Challenge: How can the sustainability of a product be communicated engagingly and transparently?
• Gaia Segattini, founder of Gaia Segattini Knotwear (ethical knitwear and Società Benefit):
  Gaia Segattini Knotwear is a Società Benefit that produces knitwear using surplus yarns and a local, transparent supply chain, placing people, craftsmanship, and community at the centre of its business model.
  Challenge: How can a digital fashion brand evolve in a context where social media is becoming less effective?
• Pamela Burani, founder of Nonplussed (vegan and sustainable fashion):
  Nonplussed is a vegan fashion brand rooted in the Prato textile district, working with certified organic and recycled materials through a fully local and cruelty-free supply chain focused on timeless design.
  Challenge: How can an internal academy be structured within a company, and how can people be motivated to participate?

Participants formed small groups and selected one of the three challenges and developed strategic and creative proposals grounded in sustainability, communication, and organisational innovation. While developing their ideas they were able to mix and consult with the female entrepreneurs and other participants who are well established in the fashion and textile field. The ideathon concluded with team presentations and collective discussion.

The winning team was selected by a panel of five judges, including two hosting representatives from Lottozero and the three participating female entrepreneurs to represent Italy at the W4TEX Transnational Ideathon in Larissa, Greece, where they will collaborate with participants from other partner countries in an international training and networking event.

The National Ideathon in Prato demonstrated the value of female-led entrepreneurship, local textile knowledge, and collaborative learning in driving sustainable transformation within the fashion and textile sector, reinforcing Prato’s role as a key hub for innovation and responsible fashion.

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Format and Participants

The ideathon featured three parallel training workshops, each involving different textile vocational groups. In total, the event engaged more than 60 young women, aged between 18 and 25, all of whom were encouraged to develop solutions addressing the environmental and social challenges of the textile industry.

Participants were guided through an interactive workshop structure using the official W4TEX materials and challenge sheets. Each group explored real-life sustainability dilemmas in the textile sector — from fast fashion and waste to transparency and circular design — and were encouraged to co-create bold, feasible, and locally relevant ideas.

Challenges Tackled and Ideas Generated

The ideas presented reflected both creativity and a strong sense of responsibility. Highlights included:

• Circular Fashion Initiatives: Projects such as Miciela and Two Life proposed upcycling used garments into patchwork fashion or redesigning outdated clothes into new collections.
• Responsible Consumption Tools: Preciosostenible and Etiquetas Justas aimed to reveal the real cost and sustainability impact of clothing through transparent pricing and SDG-based labelling.
• Educational and Community Programs: Slow Fashion, Entrelazo and Kits Creativos promoted community workshops, youth engagement, and DIY approaches using textile scraps.
• Tech & Sharing Economy Concepts: Proposals like Reversed Fashion and Barbie Project explored mobile apps for clothing exchange, donation, and sustainable purchasing choices.

Conclusions

This ideathon highlighted the transformative potential of vocational education in empowering young women to become innovators in the textile field. The event fostered key 21st-century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and eco-entrepreneurship — all within a real-life learning environment. The Spanish Ideathon confirmed that with the right tools and support, the next generation is ready to lead the shift toward a more sustainable and inclusive textile industry.

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Zero-waste production refers to a systematic approach where all materials are reused, recycled, or repurposed, leaving nothing for the landfill or incinerator. For the textile industry, this shift is a necessary evolution driven by environmental urgency, consumer demand, and technological innovation.

The waste problem in fashion and textiles

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to grasp the scale of the problem. According to the United Nations Development Programme, the fashion and textile sector generates 92 million tonnes of waste annually, while the European Environment Agency indicates that over 85% of textiles end up in landfills or are incinerated. Traditional manufacturing processes involve large off-cuts, overproduction, and nonrecyclable blends, all of which contribute to massive waste.

The zero-waste philosophy is changing that, offering a blueprint for rethinking how materials are sourced, used, and discarded.

What does zero waste look like in practice?

Zero-waste production goes beyond minimizing waste at the end of the production line. It starts with designing for circularity, choosing materials that are recyclable or biodegradable, and optimizing cutting and stitching techniques to reduce scrap. It also involves investing in closed-loop systems, where textile waste is collected, processed, and reintroduced into the production cycle.

Let’s explore how some companies are leading the way:

1. Eileen Fisher

This pioneer in sustainable fashion has implemented a “take-back” program called Renew, where customers return worn garments for repair, resale, or recycling. Eileen Fisher also uses circular design principles to ensure that new pieces are easy to disassemble and remake. Their Waste No More initiative turns old garments into artistic textiles.

2. Ananas Anam

Ananas Anam is the company that manufactures, markets, and sells Piñatex. Piñatex is an innovative and sustainable textile made from pineapple leaf fibres, a waste product from pineapple harvests. It was created by Dr Carmen Hijosa, who was inspired to develop a commercially viable and environmentally friendly textile alternative. Its versatility makes it suitable for clothing, accessories, upholstery, and more. Through innovation, Piñatex proves that sustainable textiles can be commercially viable while benefiting people and the planet.

3. Shaku

Shaku is a brand that produces high-quality scarves and accessories featuring original artwork and designs. The brand is aligned with the slow fashion movement, focusing on high-quality pieces that are meant to last for generations. Their designs appeal to all ages and are intended to become heirlooms. What’s more, waste materials and faulty pieces are given a new lease of life as accessories and homeware items, so they’re not wasted. 

4. MUD Jeans

Denim production is notoriously resource-heavy, but MUD Jeans offers a “Lease A Jeans” model, where consumers can rent jeans, return them, and have them recycled into new denim. They’ve mastered a closed-loop recycling system that incorporates up to 40% post-consumer recycled cotton, minimizing virgin resource use and textile waste.

5. Tonlé

Tonlé operates on a zero-waste ethos from start to finish. They use fabric remnants discarded by large garment factories and turn them into new collections using creative pattern-making techniques. Even tiny scraps are spun into yarn for accessories. Tonlé claims to reuse or recycle 97% of their materials, a standout figure in the industry.

The role of technology in zero waste

Digital innovation is crucial in enabling zero-waste manufacturing. For instance, it is projected that AI-driven pattern design can optimize fabric usage and reduce scrap by up to 20%.

Challenges and opportunities ahead

While the movement is gaining momentum, challenges remain. High costs, lack of infrastructure for textile recycling, and complex supply chains can make implementation difficult. Yet, the opportunity is immense.

Policymakers are also stepping in. The European Union’s Textiles Strategy aims to make all textiles placed on the EU market durable, repairable, and recyclable by 2030. This regulatory shift will push more companies toward circular, zero-waste models.

Final thoughts

Zero-waste production isn’t just an environmental imperative, it’s a business strategy for resilience and innovation. As materials become scarcer and consumers demand transparency, the brands that embrace circularity will lead the industry into a more sustainable future.

The textile sector has a long road ahead, but the seeds of transformation have been planted. With each closed loop and repurposed scrap, we move closer to a world where fashion and waste no longer go hand in hand.

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The fashion industry has long been a major contributor to global pollution, with fast fashion driving excessive textile waste and unethical production practices. However, a new wave of sustainable businesses is challenging this norm, proving that fashion can be both stylish and responsible. Circular fashion, a model based on textile reuse, recycling, and ethical production, is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Three standout brands—Deleitewear, Clotsy Brand, and Etikway—are redefining the industry by incorporating circular economy principles into their business models. Their innovative approaches demonstrate how companies can minimize waste, support ethical labor, and create high-quality fashion with a positive impact.

Deleitewear: Transforming Textile Waste into Stylish Uniforms

Based in Spain, Deleitewear tackles the issue of textile waste by repurposing discarded fabrics from the hospitality industry into high-quality, eco-friendly uniforms. Founded by Nuria and Laura Fernández Cavia, the brand collaborates with social impact workshops that provide job opportunities for marginalized communities. This initiative not only extends the life cycle of fabrics but also fosters social inclusion, making Deleitewear a true leader in sustainable fashion.

Clotsy Brand: Ethical, Vegan, and Conscious Fashion

Clotsy Brand, founded in 2018 by Ángela Gómez and Alfonso Saura, is another example of how circular fashion can succeed. Specializing in sustainable and vegan clothing, the brand prioritizes organic and recycled materials while ensuring fair working conditions through partnerships with local workshops in Spain and Portugal. By raising awareness about responsible fashion consumption and offering stylish alternatives to fast fashion, Clotsy is empowering consumers to make more sustainable choices.

Etikway: Merging Fashion with Social and Environmental Responsibility

Etikway, founded by Lucie Gomes, goes beyond selling sustainable clothing—it acts as an incubator for eco-friendly fashion initiatives. Through its foundation, the brand supports social projects such as integrating Ukrainian refugees into the circular economy via upcycling and permaculture programs. Additionally, Etikway’s award initiatives recognize and promote groundbreaking sustainability projects within the fashion industry, inspiring further innovation.

A Future Shaped by Circular Fashion

These companies exemplify the success of circular economy models in fashion. By prioritizing sustainability, ethical production, and social impact, they are reshaping an industry notorious for its environmental footprint. Their efforts prove that fashion does not have to come at the cost of the planet or people—it can be a force for good.

W4TEX continues inspiring others to adopt circular practices and drive positive change in the fashion world, the shift toward sustainable fashion is not just a trend—it’s the future.

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MANUSA: Artisanal Roots, Ethical Ambitions

MANUSA is a social cooperative dedicated to preserving artisanal textile techniques while embedding ethical and social values at the core of its operations. Manusa in Sanskrit means “to be human”, and is a striking representation of the cooperative’s genesis and mission. Specializing in knitwear and crochet, the company embodies a modern approach to production by integrating the principles of the circular economy. MANUSA not only maintains the rich textile heritage of its region but also repurposes industry waste to create high-quality contemporary designs.

A majority of MANUSA’s 17 employees are women, many from disadvantaged backgrounds. The company’s mission addresses three key issues in its local community: safeguarding endangered artisanal textile techniques, creating employment opportunities—especially for marginalized women—and promoting circular production. By transforming textile waste into desirable products, MANUSA not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters cultural preservation and economic empowerment. Their approach proves that sustainability, tradition, and social responsibility can seamlessly coexist.

AnticoFeudo: Reviving Textile Heritage in Tuscany

When Greta Cherubini transitioned from military service, she returned to her homeland in the Bisenzio Valley, Tuscany, in search of a new venture. Located near Prato—one of Europe’s largest textile hubs—she founded AnticoFeudo, a farm home to approximately 30 alpacas. These animals are sheared to produce yarns and knitwear, which are sold both on-site and through select retailers, bridging traditional textile craftsmanship with an innovative, sustainable supply chain.

Greta’s vision was to reestablish a local textile ecosystem by integrating alpaca fibre into Tuscany’s longstanding wool tradition. Unlike traditional wool, alpaca fibres are hollow, making them warmer yet lightweight. Additionally, alpaca fleece lacks lanolin, which means it is naturally hypoallergenic and requires less intensive processing—eliminating the need for harsh chemicals typically used in wool treatment. This translates to a more sustainable and less toxic production process. Beyond textile innovation, the choice of alpacas was driven by ethical and environmental considerations. Unlike other fiber-producing animals, alpacas do not contribute to the meat industry in Italy, ensuring that they are not slaughtered once they age. They also have a minimal ecological footprint: their soft feet do not damage the soil, and their grazing habits are gentler on vegetation. Furthermore, alpacas are social, calm animals, allowing AnticoFeudo to incorporate community engagement initiatives, such as educational visits for families, hikers, and children. Through a model that intertwines sustainability, ethics, and local culture, AnticoFeudo is redefining textile production in Tuscany.

Mantero Seta: Rooted in History, Driven by Innovation

Founded in Como in 1902, Mantero Seta has remained a family-run business for over a century. Since 2011, siblings Lucia and Franco Mantero have led the company, carrying forward a legacy of luxury fabric production while embracing cutting-edge innovations. Specializing in weaving and printing high-end textiles and accessories, Mantero has successfully blended historical craftsmanship with modern technology.

Lucia Mantero, the company’s Product Management Director, has been instrumental in maintaining traditional screen printing techniques while fostering new experimentation. Under her leadership, Mantero has invested in state-of-the-art machinery, advanced fabric preparation methods, and the development of digital printing technologies. These innovations have enhanced color precision, increased production efficiency, and preserved the company’s reputation for exceptional quality.

Mantero’s commitment extends beyond technical advancements. The company has implemented a holistic management philosophy called Mantero RESPECT, which focuses on economic, environmental, and social sustainability. This initiative underscores their belief that corporate growth should align with the well-being of employees, customers, suppliers, and the broader Como textile district. By combining tradition with innovation, Mantero Seta exemplifies how a heritage brand can adapt to an evolving industry while remaining true to its roots.

The success of MANUSA, AnticoFuedo, and Mantero Seta demonstrates that innovation and tradition are not mutually exclusive in textile production. Whether through ethical employment practices, sustainable material sourcing, or cutting-edge digital technologies, these companies are reshaping the industry while preserving its heritage. By adapting production and management strategies to local contexts, they prove that textile traditions can thrive in the modern world—ensuring a future where craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation go hand in hand.

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What is Digital Fashion?

Digital fashion refers to clothes that exist only in digital form – they are designed, bought, and worn entirely in virtual spaces. Think of it like having a wardrobe for your online life. These clothes can be “worn” in photos, social media posts, video games, and virtual worlds. While it might sound like science fiction, it is already a booming industry that is expected to grow from about €1 billion today to over €7 trillion by 2032.

Why It Is Great for the Planet?

One of the biggest benefits of digital fashion is how eco-friendly it is. Here is why:

• Zero Resource Consumption: Traditional fashion is one of the world’s biggest polluters. A single cotton t-shirt needs about 2,700 litres of water to make – that is enough water for one person to drink for 900 days! Digital clothes do not use any real materials, water, or energy for production.
• Elimination of Overproduction: Fashion brands often make too many clothes that end up in landfills. With digital fashion, they can create unlimited copies based on actual demand, completely eliminating unsold stock and waste.
• No Transport Footprint: Digital clothes do not need to be shipped around the world, which means zero carbon emissions from transportation and packaging.

What Is Possible with Digital Fashion Today?

According to DressX, the world’s leading digital fashion retail platform, digital fashion in 2024 has evolved far beyond simple photo filters.

Today’s possibilities include:

• Avatar Fashion Marketing. Create and sell fashion collections across major virtual platforms including Meta, Roblox, Snap, and Zepeto. Brands can now reach millions of users through customised digital wardrobes and collections.
• AI-Powered Virtual Try-Ons. AI stylist technology for e-commerce that lets customers visualise clothes on their own photos. Virtual fitting rooms that transform casual browsers into confident buyers. AI-powered fashion expertise guiding purchase decisions.
  Gaming Assets Production. As a trusted vendor for platforms like Meta and Bitmoji, digital fashion now offers innovative solutions for gaming environments, enhancing player engagement and in-game purchases.
• Immersive Retail Experiences. The DressX Mirror technology elevates retail spaces and events by offering AR fashion experiences, allowing customers to try on virtual clothing in real time through immersive AR technology.

The Future is Already Here

Digital fashion is not just about looking good online – it is about reimagining how we interact with clothes sustainably. As technology continues to advance with tools like Apple Vision Pro and improved AR capabilities, the line between physical and digital fashion will blur even further.

For brands and consumers alike, digital fashion offers a way to stay stylish while dramatically reducing environmental impact. It is not about replacing physical clothes entirely, but about finding a better balance between our desire for fashion and our need to protect the planet.

As we move forward, digital fashion stands as a perfect example of how technology can help solve our environmental challenges while creating new opportunities for creativity and expression. It is not just the future of fashion – it is a key part of building a more sustainable world.

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