Brussels, 24.10.2021 – Today, 24 October, we celebrate the 76 th anniversary of the signature of the Charter of the United Nations, whereby the most important international organisation in the world was created. From then on, countries and actors from all around the globe have joined forces to stand up for Human Rights and to protect our planet. One of the most important achievements the UN has made and which the COSME project CircularInnoBooster adheres to is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
In 2015, the Member States of the United Nations unanimously approved the 2030 Agenda, which set out the guidelines for a sustainable future. To ensure accomplishment, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were put forward. Accelerator CirCoAX helps boost European innovative projects in the fashion and textile industry (F&T) by focusing on several SDGs.
Aside from transforming the F&T industry by putting forward a circular economy model, this project contributes to society by promoting zero poverty, zero hunger, and gender equality throughout the whole production chain. CirCoAX aims to boost business models ensuring decent work and economic growth and reducing inequalities. Additionally, by having several initiatives adhered to it, CirCoAX strives to implement a new model in the F&T industry based on innovation, sustainability and resilience. This new model requires responsible production and consumption, involving all agents in the value chain.
On the other hand, preserving our natural ecosystems is part of this COSME project’s commitment, which coincides with the celebration of World Nature Conservation Day. Climate action and the protection of the environment are crucial to reach sustainability in the F&T industry. Likewise, cooperation is a pivotal element at CircularInnoBooster – forging new partnerships enables to spread the scope of these goals and to create a committed community with our principles and values.
CirCoAX calls on all innovative projects in the F&T industry through its acceleration open call – deadline: 27 October – to join forces and stand up for nature and SDGs.
About COSME
COSME is the programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises by the European Commission’s Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME).
This programme assists SMEs to develop their business models, to obtain funds and to internationalise. This scheme also supports public administrations to enhance the entrepreneurial environment and to facilitate the economic growth of the EU. During the funding period of 2014-2020, this programme allocated €2.3 billion to support SMEs.
About IED
Istituto Europeo di Design is an academic institution working in education, training, and the research of fashion, design, visual communication, and management. IED has offices in Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), Italy (Milan, Rome and five other cities) and Brazil (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro). IED works in several EU and COSME countries through collaborations and arrangements with institutions, business support organisations, teachers, experts, and mentors. IED has an extensive network of connections in the fashion and textile sector (F&T).
About Finnova
Finnova is a foundation working to promote and to develop innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit across the EU. Headquartered in Brussels, it works and engages in partnerships in all EU countries. Finnova’s experience in leading communication activities and disseminating European projects is coupled with an extensive expertise in creating enterprises and entrepreneurial support programmes such as accelerators, incubators, and events.
About Texfor
Texfor is a leading textile association in Spain with roughly 400 members. Founded in 2010 and based in Catalonia, Texfor brings together enterprises from the textile value chain, i.e. from weaving to fabrics as well as accessories, textile finishing, printing, and dyeing for the dressmaking industry, textiles for households and technical and industrial applications. Texfor has extensive expertise as it has worked in relevant expert committees at an EU level: university and professional training, developing financial capacities, cross-cutting collaboration, fostering RDI, specialised services, and leadership in sustainability focused on the circular economy.
About Circulab
Circulab is a laboratory and design studio specialising in developing transformation methods, tools and programmes to help enterprises adopt circular and sustainable business models.
Circulab has designed a number of tools to implement a circular business model in enterprises. It works in 23 countries – 9 out of them in the EU – and it supports projects via 60 independent entrepreneurial consultants. It applies circular methodologies and tools.
About The Circ ular Project co-designed with HumanNation
TCP (The Circular Project) favours and promotes a circular and sustainable fashion in different areas, offering the fashion industry a communication strategy based on a cross-cutting and systemic approach of the circular economy. TCP combines social, ethical, environmental and economic aspects, and has a strong presence and connections in the sustainable fashion world.
TCP has promoted the Circular Sustainable Fashion Week Madrid, a one-of-a-kind event, and also serves as HQ for the Spanish Association for the Sustainability, Innovation and Circularity in the Fashion Industry. TCP is also ambassador of Sannas (Triple Bottom Line Business Association) and has collaborated in a wide array of Spanish, European, and Latin American institutions and enterprises.
The Circular Project works with Human Nation to co-design and develop CirCoAX. HumanNation is a consultancy enterprise specialising in the development of transformative and disruptive ecosystems of innovation and companies for the ‘new economy’. It is based on the fourth economic sector, the systemic thinking, and co-creation. It raises awareness in organisations and ecosystems to respect the planetary boundaries and the social fabric, creating resilient local economies with a global perspective.
