Science Park Borås - Resource Recovery and Circular Economy

I have recently started my internship at the Science Park Borås where I'm working for Re:Textile. After a first concept meeting, I was not only introduced to my supervisor but also to the project I'm going to work on for the upcoming weeks. 

The major aim of my project is the attempt to support the company Reuse/Remade to reduce textile waste by reproduction and likewise maximising the value from already existing materials. Reuse/Remade especially focuses on the replacement of conventional plastic bags in order to reduce general plastic use, a core issue of concurrent waste management.  Another aspect is that we want to bring the production back to Sweden which, however, is relatively cost intensive. With this in mind, we are searching for solutions for both, cost- and resource efficiency and regional growth. 

Now that the project framework is more or less defined, it is my responsibility to create a sufficient concept. Re:Textile's purpose is to provide tools for companies to implement a circular approach to their business. For this attempt, I developed a value chain that leads from raw material (reused textile waste from old bed linen) to final product with all essential participants and cooperating partners. It is essential to proceed strategically and to coordinate activities accordingly. Also, being aware of the skills and expertise each participant maintains can be beneficial for the other and vice versa. Currently, I am contacting each of the actors, introducing them to the project with the aim to evaluate the feasibility of the project since the aspect of commercialisation is also a request. By this concept, we want to figure out the potential of the initial aim.  

My project is still in the development phase, so I'm excited about the next weeks and the results I will be able to gather. I assume that it will be a great learning process for myself where also limitations cross my path which I have to face openly. My working environment offers a wide scope where taking own initiative is very crucial. A challenge I like to accept.