From 29 September to 1 October 2025, the JUST FASHION Consortium participated in the 3rd ECOSYSTEX Conference in Gothenburg, hosted in collaboration with RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. The three-day event brought together experts, innovators, and EU initiatives to discuss sustainable practices and circularity across the textile ecosystem. JUST FASHION was represented by Anna-Lena Müller (Project Management Office, University of Antwerp), Jade Connoly (Responsible for Communication and Dissemination, EURADA), and Virginie Litaudon (Work-Package 7 Lead on Policy Impact, University for the Creative Arts), who engaged with a range of European stakeholders to explore synergies and collaborative opportunities.
The conference featured sessions led by Horizon Europe projects including PESCO-UP, SOLSTICE, tExtended, Hemp4Circularity, BioFibreLoop, and WhiteCycle. Representatives from the European Commission – DG Environment and DG Research & Innovation – also shared updates on EU textile sustainability research, circularity strategies, and policy developments on textile waste. Discussions focused on innovations in textile materials, circular business models, and new technologies driving sustainable transformation in the sector.
A highlight of the event was the guided tour of RISE’s research facilities in Mölndal and the Swedish School of Textiles in Borås, giving participants firsthand insights into Sweden’s cutting-edge textile research infrastructure. Attendees explored Team Textile, the Environment & Sustainable Chemistry unit, and the Chemicals Group, gaining practical knowledge of fibre development, textile recycling, and testing and certification processes. The tour demonstrated how RISE supports circularity and sustainability in textiles through innovative research and advanced technologies.
Over the three days, participants not only explored emerging solutions in sustainable textiles but also had the chance to exchange ideas, build networks, and identify opportunities for collaboration. JUST FASHION’s engagement at ECOSYSTEX highlights the project’s commitment to connecting with EU initiatives, fostering partnerships, and contributing to the development of sustainable and circular practices across the European textile industry.
