WHERE HERITAGE MEETS INNOVATION: CRAFT-IT4SD PILOTS CRAFTING A CIRCULAR AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
By Liisa Ronkainen, Oulu University of Applied Sciences, Malene Pilgaard Harsaae and Anne Louise Bang, VIA University College, Juliana Penagos and Lidia Morcillo, MODACC, Aura Mihai and Dorin Ionesi, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi and Marianne Ping Huang, Adriënne Heijnen and Martin Wurzer, Aarhus University Short overview of the CRAFT-IT4SD piloting phase CRAFT-IT4SD’s four […]
Future-proofing creativity: developing green, social, and digital competencies for the next generation of crafts and creative industries
By Herman Bashiron Mendolicchio, ECBN & María Cristina Ortega and Arkaitz Celaá Angulo, 3Walks The creative and cultural industries are entering a decisive phase. As environmental urgency, digital acceleration, and social transformation increasingly shape how value is created and shared, the challenge is no longer simply to adapt existing practices, but to anticipate the competencies […]
LET’S FOCUS ON THE SLOW FASHION MOVEMENT: EMBRACING THE 5 R’S OF SUSTAINABILITY
By Liisa Ronkainen. Oulu University of Applied Sciences The idea of “fast” goes beyond fashion; it’s a lifestyle driven by mass production, impulse, and convenience. Fast living in food, fashion, technology, and media prioritizes speed over quality, connection, and sustainability. In contrast, the slow movement values quality, care, and mindful consumption, encouraging us to choose […]
From compliance to integration: Value creation through legislation adoption
By Lidia Morcillo, Juliana Penagos Nigrinis, Clara N. Solé – MODACC European sustainability legislation is reshaping the way the fashion industry operates. What was once a voluntary commitment (sustainable practices) has now become a strategic requirement, redefining expectations for companies across all sectors — and especially for the fashion industry. Image generated with AI Far […]
Tales from the backstage of craft making: Surfacing invisible work for textile craft innovation
By Rune Thorbjørn Clausen & Simon Peter Larsen. VIA University College If one pays a visit to our design school’s craft labs, one will, among others, find a unique infrastructure consisting of multiple workstations for embroidery, weaving, dyeing, finishing, and digital printing. The labs house both analogue and advanced digital textile technologies, including circular and […]
How receptive are craftspeople and designers to adopting digital innovation for sustainability?
By Aura Mihai, Raluca Lupu, Antonela Curteza, Dorin Ionesi, Radu Firicel and Iuliana StrebaGheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi Introduction The ISO/ASTM 52900:2021 standard defines 3D printing as a layer-by-layer process that constructs objects directly from 3D model data, distinguishing it fundamentally from traditional subtractive and formative manufacturing methods. 3D printing has emerged as a […]
New business models and pathways for sustainable fashion in the digital era
By Annu Markkula, Hannamaija Tuovila & Päivi Petänen. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Digitalisation is a key component of the EU’s green transition. When we talk about sustainable fashion, what role can digitalisation play in this industry to enhance its sustainability? As digital tools and solutions become more widely adopted in the fashion sector, […]
Triple transition in the creative economy: how up- and re-skilling is shaping emerging professions
By Herman Bashiron Mendolicchio, ECBN & Maria Cristina Ortega and Arkaitz Celaá Angulo, 3Walks The conversation around skills in the craft and fashion sectors has evolved significantly in recent years. What began as a call to integrate green, digital, and socially engaged competencies into creative practice is now shaping something much deeper: the emergence of […]
Bright Ideas: Sustainable LED Tech for Fashion and Performance
By Tommi Karjalainen and Joonas Leinonen. Oulu University of Applied Sciences In recent years, LED technology has moved beyond conventional lighting into the realm of fashion and performance. As LEDs become more affordable, energy-efficient, and adaptable, they offer exciting possibilities for small businesses and creatives working in textiles, wearable tech, and the performing arts. This […]
Optimizing your sustainable business model by using data analytics: a short guide for SMEs.
By Juliana Penagos Nigrinis, Lidia Morcillo & Clara Solé – MODACC Turning information into impact Across industries, many companies are proving that data can be a powerful tool for sustainability. By using data strategically, businesses are optimising their resources, reducing waste, and aligning profitability with environmental responsibility. Take, for example, fashion SMEs that use predictive […]