I’m delighted to be announcing that a Circular Design and Economy project that I’m involved in is launching next week.
Headed by the Irish Wood and Interiors Network (IWIN) this government funded project will provide a framework to develop new circular products and circular business models aimed at increasing the value, use and life of materials, products and assets and designing out waste from production and consumption in the textile upholstery sector.
It’s also a great opportunity for manufacturers in Ireland to work together to prepare for the Circular Economy, which is on track to permeate every aspect of how we make and use physical goods globally. Participating companies include manufacturers of furniture, mattresses, textiles, and carpets.
“We understand the importance of the circular economy and achieving as little waste as possible. We aim for our sofas to last a lifetime, so they can be passed on, recovered and renewed over time. Everything we can do to reduce waste in the manufacturing process is important for us, our customers and the wider environment. Projects like this are extremely beneficial. Bringing together similar businesses to think about our processes and wastes with the aim of coming up with innovations and ideas around circularity will only help the industry become more competitive and therefore more sustainable.” Kilian Finane – Operations Director, Finline Furniture
The official kick-off event is taking place on July the 13th in the Prince of Wales Hotel in Athlone.
THE PROJECT
This project is being funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under their Green Enterprise Innovation for a Circular Economy Programme and will focus on the creation of partnerships to find new uses for industry by-products and waste over 18 months.
The project will provide a framework to develop new circular products and circular business models aimed at increasing the value, use and life of materials, products and assets and designing out waste from production and consumption in the textile upholstery sector.
The project will work directly with 8 participating companies to develop innovative practical applications to divert waste from landfill, increased material reuse and recycling and new/altered products, processes, services and solutions.
Also involved in the project is the consultancy Anois, who have been leading the field of eco design for over 20 years.
IWIN
This project is being run by The Irish Wood and Interiors Network (IWIN), which was established in 2018 to support companies involved in the design and manufacture of kitchens, architectural joinery, contract furniture, bespoke interior solutions, commercial interiors and wood-based products.
The aim of IWIN is to assist companies in these industries to thrive through collaboration, education and training, design & innovation, manufacturing excellence and commercial development. IWIN currently has 100 members and has the funding and plans in place to grow to 200 members within the next 3 years.
Image Credit
Image is from the factory of Botany Weaving in Dublin 8
Circular Design Institute 