The textile industry remains one of the sectors with the highest CO2 emissions, which is why the circular economy harbours great potential in this industry. But what is the best way to combine fashion and sustainability? Innovative solutions were presented on 2 July 2024 in the Beuth Halle at Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT) at our event “Circular Fashion: Embracing Sustainable Design and Couture”, as part of the A-B-Circular project to promote the climate-neutral manufacture of products “Made in Berlin” in the design/fashion and architecture/construction sectors. The A-B-Circular project is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affaitd, Energy and Public Enterprises as part of the call for a circular economy in the Masterplan Industriestadt Berlin 2022-2026. The event not only highlighted the importance of circular economy principles, but also inspired participants to integrate these practices into their own designs and businesses.

 

The programme opened with inspiring keynotes from industry and academic leaders, including Prof. Dr Florian Schindler from BHT, Anke Pfau from the Association of the North-East German Textile and Clothing Industry (vti), Jens Heitland, former Global Head of Innovation at IKEA Centres, and Catalina Panoiu from HYUNDAI CRADLE. Their insights into the challenges and opportunities of the textile circular economy provided the framework for a discussion full of insights and practical strategies for implementing the circular economy.

 

A panel discussion moderated by Janna Schlender from IMPACT HUB Berlin with experts such as Prof. Marte Hentschel from VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub and Aleksandar Kovacevic from Re-Fresh Global further enriched the dialogue. They explored sustainable innovation, partnerships in the circular economy and the transformative potential of eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry.

 

The programme also included pitches from start-ups and a fashion show where the founding teams and designers presented their creations that incorporate upcycling elements and redefine eco-friendly aesthetics. Among others, Reverse Supply, The Loop Look, Re-Fresh Global, La Moda Me, Peralta Clothing, Kristin Verita Katze, Emma Lafoz and Canussa were there with their remarkable contributions.

 

The BHT GLASBOX team, part of the project “Zukunft findet Stadt – Hochschulnetzwerk für ein resilientes Berlin” also demonstrated how sustainable projects can be realised. Organised as a makerspace, the GLASBOX is intended to promote creative exchange and is open to BHT students and employees as well as external visitors. The space is equipped with 3D printers, sewing and stitching machines.