https://climatejournal.news/ en https://climatejournal.news/news/bringing-creative-design-solutions-to-life-with-smart-circular-twists <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Bringing creative design solutions to life with smart circular twists</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/bringing-creative-design-solutions-to-life-with-smart-circular-twists" data-a2a-title="Bringing creative design solutions to life with smart circular twists"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/circular-design" hreflang="en">Circular Design</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/circular-business" hreflang="en">Circular Business</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/recycling" hreflang="en">Recycling</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/upcycling" hreflang="en">Upcycling</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/circular-design" hreflang="en">Circular Design</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="Bringing creative design solutions to life with smart circular twists" title="Bringing creative design solutions to life with smart circular twists" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1565.jpg?itok=uef90ifj" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4834 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4929 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>This article is part of the <a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular" target="_blank">'Celebrating Circular`</a> initiative and story collection that spotlights trailblazer Irish businesses making strides towards a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.</p> <hr /> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4835 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Arriving in Ireland 11 years ago from Brazil, Caio Pazini had to look for opportunities to restart his life in a new country.</p> <p>Working as a handyman and carpenter for two years gave him enough experience to start his own business, <a href="https://forja.works/" target="_blank">Forja Works</a>, which offers design solutions with a twist: reusing perfectly good materials that no longer fulfil their original purpose and recycling as much as possible.</p> <p>“I already had an eye for recycling as my family back in Brazil has been working in plastic recycling, so I knew more about this area.”</p> <p>Initially, his main driver was to balance the lack of financial resources by saving materials instead of throwing them away.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4838 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4836 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Keeping materials in circularity</p> <p>Having a background as an Environmental Engineer also helped him realise the potential of different materials while working on designs.</p> <p>“I have the mindset of keeping materials in flow, whether through recycling, reusing or repurposing. I see endless possibilities when I look at designs or objects, imagining the best possible way to make them work.”</p> <blockquote> <p>“When I look at designs or objects, I see endless possibilities, imagining the best way to reuse and repurpose materials.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4837 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1566.jpg" width="402" height="502" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Caio Pazini, Founder of ForjaWorks</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4839 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>In the past years, Caio has worked on a wide variety of projects, from designing restaurant interiors and outdoor coffee areas to wardrobes and event installations.</p> <p>In 2023, he was proud to divert over 2000 kg of discarded materials by breathing new life into them through his work.</p> <p>In the past years, Caio has worked on a wide variety of projects, from designing restaurant interiors and outdoor coffee areas to wardrobes and event installations.</p> <p>In 2023, he was proud to divert over 2000 kg of discarded materials by breathing new life into them through his work.</p> <blockquote> <p>“I’m at my best when I can work on the creative design while finding the best way to use materials all over again. I equally enjoy turning a piano into a bar and designing benches from recycled plastic.”</p> </blockquote> <p>One of his recent projects was creating a ‘trash wave’ installation for KIA as part of their communication at the St Patrick's Festival. In this case, he had to demonstrate and visualise the plastic waste challenge by visualising the plastic journey.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4840 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Focusing on design longevity</p> <p>Another area he focuses on is improving design longevity by using modular systems that allow him to replace or fix certain items without destroying or damaging the main structure.</p> <p>For instance, he would adopt this approach at a coffee shop when creating fixed seating areas, making it possible to repair blocks instead of dismantling everything. Caio’s thinking goes beyond materials.</p> <p>He added a ‘buy-back' service to his business, meaning he would offer partners a fair price to reclaim the materials he used when they no longer wanted them.</p> <blockquote> <p>“Buying back materials from my clients allows me to redress or repurpose them and use them elsewhere. I have created a ‘library of materials' at my workshop so I can mix and match what I need according to the actual design I'm working on. This is a great deal for my partners, for my business and the environment.”</p> </blockquote> <p>He aims to have a bigger facility where he can expand the ‘library of materials’ concept and scale this approach.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4841 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Exploring full circularity</p> <p>Searching to take his ideas and enterprise to the next level led him to participate in the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modos-circular-economy-training-tickets-988609476557?aff=erelpanelorg&amp;keep_tld=1" target="_blank">MODOS course</a>.</p> <p>“Being part of the programme helped me find new ways to finance my ideas and market our services and products besides rethinking my business model. The contacts and overall support were also beneficial. It also opened my eyes to carbon emissions and management and how to adopt it in a meaningful way to my company.”</p> <p>An added value in joining the MODOS programme was to find a community where he was understood.</p> <p>“It was nice to have a space where you are not considered weird because you want to do things differently.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4844 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4842 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Building a three-pillar system</p> <p>Talking about plans, he adds that his goal is to build a three-pillar system that can cover all aspects of being circular from start to finish.</p> <p>“I have opened a new business focusing on producing recycled plastic sheets, so we can handle the manufacturing while our Studio creates the design and the original ForjaWorks enterprise delivers projects.</p> <p>This way, we can offer a fully circular solution that ensures the best use of materials throughout the entire process.”</p> <p>Although the advantages of adopting this approach are clear, he admits that convincing people to invest in a more long-term solution and consider their impact is challenging.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4843 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1567.jpg" width="344" height="344" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">In 2023, Forja Works diverted over 2000 kg of discarded materials by breathing new life into them through creative design.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4845 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Staying and growing local</p> <p>On top of working on circular solutions, Caio feels strongly about keeping everything local and avoiding imports as much as possible to reduce emissions and create more jobs locally.</p> <blockquote> <p>“I hope to become a pioneer in this sector and lead by example. This also means I need to pave the way first, which takes a lot of energy and time.”</p> </blockquote> <p>To walk to talk, he is keen to run his business responsibly. I</p> <p>ntegrating solar panels and electric vehicles into their operations is part of their ambitious carbon emission reduction plan, and playing an active part in hosting the Canal Cleaning events in Portobello in Dublin is also on the agenda.</p> <p>In the midst of running and expanding his business, Caio says it is hard to balance and find time to switch off, but luckily, his work is also his passion.</p> <p>“I’m full of ideas but also need to keep the focus on the business to make things work. What keeps me grounded is the actual craft, making things with my hand. It is satisfying turning materials into creations and seeing things shaping up by your hand.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4846 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <hr /><p> </p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4849 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4847 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Explore other inspirational stories as part of the <a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular" target="_blank">Celebrating Circular</a> initiative supported by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and Dublin City Council.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular">Read more stories&gt;&gt;</a></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4848 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <a href="https://climatejournal.news/partner/celebrating-circular" target="_blank"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1568.jpg" width="302" height="302" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-hover field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1569.jpg" width="302" height="302" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">September 2024</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/celebrating-circular">Celebrating Circular</a> </div> </div> Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:46:28 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 348 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/using-tech-for-transparency-in-fashion <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Using tech for transparency in fashion</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/using-tech-for-transparency-in-fashion" data-a2a-title="Using tech for transparency in fashion"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/fashion" hreflang="en">Fashion</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/circular-economy" hreflang="en">Circular Economy</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/technology" hreflang="en">technology</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/start-up" hreflang="en">Start-up</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/sustainable-fashion" hreflang="en">Sustainable Fashion</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/circular-design" hreflang="en">Circular Design</a></div> </div> </div> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Business" title="Business" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/55.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Circular Economy" title="Circular Economy" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/54.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Sustainability" title="Sustainability" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/52.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img alt="Using tech for transparency in fashion" title="Using tech for transparency in fashion" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1164.jpg?itok=ljo-3DPb" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3408 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3409 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Clothing and textiles are a fundamental part of our everyday lives and a vital sector within the global economy.</p> <p>However, our current means of making, consuming, wearing, and discarding clothing is evidently no longer working. According to Business Wire, sustainability is rated as a vital purchase criterion for 60 per cent of consumers across the globe while they are demanding transparency from brands and looking for green credentials.</p> <p>However, according to the Fashion Revolution 2022 Fashion Transparency Index, 50 per cent of the world’s biggest fashion companies disclose little or no information about their supply chain.</p> <p class="font-greentitle"><strong>Only 12 per cent of fashion brands across the globe offer information concerning their raw material suppliers.</strong></p> <p class="font-greentitle"> </p> <p>Without transparency, shoppers struggle to assess a brand’s environmental and social footprints and determine whether its statements are genuine or greenwashing.</p> <blockquote> <p>What could bridge the transparency gap between eco-conscious consumers and fashion brands?</p> <p>Can it be as simple as a QR code?</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3412 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3410 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>An Irish start-up, <a href="https://www.ecode.ie/" target="_blank">Ecode</a>, thought so when they came up with the idea to empower consumers through their app to scan, learn, get rewards, connect, repair, recycle, and ultimately, change fashion.</p> <p>Ecode was founded by three students, Elise Vens, Emmet Lowry and Nathan Gaborieau.</p> <p>The three met during their Master’s in Sustainability at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), where they extensively studied the fashion supply chain's detrimental social and environmental effects.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3411 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1165.jpg" width="560" height="374" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Ecode founders Elise Vens, Emmet Lowry and Nathan Gaborieau.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3413 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>They make an international team as Elise is from The Netherlands, Nathan is from France, and Emmet is Irish.</p> <p>Elise Vens, Co-Founder of Ecode, explains how their initial idea took off: “We immediately pinpointed circularity as the driver of change and started working on a tool that would give shoppers more insight into what they're buying while empowering the consumer to be an actor of the change.</p> <blockquote> <p>We realised this greatly benefits fashion brands in determining the lifespan of their items and increasing their products’ durability.</p> </blockquote> <p>By gaining insight into these life cycles, Ecode has the power to help brands monitor their CSR improvements. Hence, our slogan became ‘enabling circularity in fashion’.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3414 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>In November 2021, the Ecode team participated in Trinity’s Provost Challenge, a three-day hackathon whereby students were challenged to ideate and develop a business idea where they came second.</p> <p>Speaking on why they chose to focus on fashion specifically, Elise says: “For one of our courses, we had the opportunity to research the social and environmental impact of the fashion industry.</p> <p>We were shocked to find out that this industry is the second-largest polluter on earth after the oil industry. A few weeks later, Trinity’s Provost Challenge was announced with the theme ‘How do you combat fast fashion?’.</p> <p>We immediately realised this was our cue and submitted our idea for Ecode. Ecode can fundamentally change the fashion industry for the better, from a linear consumption towards a circular model of doing business.</p> <blockquote> <p>We’ve recognised that the barrier to transformation is frequently not a lack of will but rather a lack of accessibility and connections between actors.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3417 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3415 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1166.jpg" width="588" height="392" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Ecode`s solution is based on using QR codes in fashion items to increase transparency and circularity. Image: unsplash</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3416 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Elis adds: “Ecode aims to integrate the entire landscape of actors in circularity. We connect stakeholders such as brands, consumers, recyclers, repairers, and resellers.</p> <blockquote> <p>Ecode is not only offering a QR code, but an entire ecosystem that can collectively create change by interacting with one another, bringing the option of circularity to everyone’s doorstep.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3418 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Afterwards, they decided to apply for Trinity’s LaunchBox Student Accelerator 2022 and were awarded the first prize, which provided immense validation for their project. In January of 2023, they received the Acting for the Environment Prize from Enactus France, an international social entrepreneurship project presentation competition for university students.</p> <p>Currently, their biggest challenge is developing a BETA version of their application that can be replicated and quickly implemented in different companies to kickstart their revolution towards circularity in fashion. However, the team plans to overcome this hurdle and has big hopes for the project’s application.</p> <p>Elise explains their plans further:</p> <blockquote> <p>“Our goal is for Ecode to become the first thing that pops into the mind of consumers when they have to purchase, recycle, and repair clothing.</p> </blockquote> <p>By making these processes easier for the consumer, we aim to drastically change consumer behaviour. In the next three years, we hope that everyone in Ireland and the rest of Europe will have heard of Ecode and that we will have a growing number of users.”</p> <p>The amount of textile waste in the EU has doubled over the past 20 years.</p> <p>With Ecode, the team hope to increase the number of clothes put back into circulation by up to 60 per cent in stores.</p> <p>They also wish that by informing consumers about the impact of products, they can indirectly reduce the pressure on the planet by placing more environmentally sound products in the spotlight.</p> <p> </p> <p class="text-align-right"><span style="font-size:10px">Headline image: unsplash</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3476 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <hr /><p> </p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-3478"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3477 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>This article is an extract from content originally published in the <a href="https://business-spirit.news/shop/circular-economy-in-action" target="_blank">Circular Economy in Action</a> special edition of the <a href="https://business-spirit.news/profit-with-purpose-magazine" target="_blank">Profit with Purpose Magazine</a> - you can read the full article and other features in the magazine.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">May 2023</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/profit-with-purpose-magazine">Profit with Purpose Magazine</a> </div> </div> <div class="author-profile col-md-4"> <table> <tr> <td style="width: 60px;"> <div class="field field--name-field-author-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="Szilvia Szabó" title="Szilvia Szabó" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/profile_author_profile_image/public/bsp-images/author/1076.jpg?itok=He8vRoqS" width="75" height="75" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </td> <td> <p class="author"> <span class="name">Szilvia Szabó</span> <span class="dot">⬤</span> <span class="contributor">Author</span> </p> <div class="field field--name-field-author-short-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Journalist, Editor</div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Journalist, Editor</div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> Thu, 18 May 2023 13:26:02 +0000 Bronagh Loughlin 260 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/sustainability-showroom-opened-in-helsinki-to-promote-zero-waste-and-circular-design-product <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Sustainability Showroom opened in Helsinki to promote zero waste and circular design product range</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/sustainability-showroom-opened-in-helsinki-to-promote-zero-waste-and-circular-design-product" data-a2a-title="Sustainability Showroom opened in Helsinki to promote zero waste and circular design product range"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/finland" hreflang="en">Finland</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/circular-economy" hreflang="en">Circular Economy</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/zero-waste" hreflang="en">Zero Waste</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/product" hreflang="en">Product</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/circular-design" hreflang="en">Circular Design</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/zero-waste" hreflang="en">Zero Waste</a></div> </div> </div> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Business" title="Business" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/55.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Circular Economy" title="Circular Economy" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/54.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Sustainability" title="Sustainability" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/52.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img alt="Sustainability Showroom opened in Helsinki to promote zero waste and circular design product range" title="Sustainability Showroom opened in Helsinki to promote zero waste and circular design product range" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/614.png?itok=yX2-EfTW" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="field field--name-field-lead field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">This new establishment aims to inspire and educate towards zero waste and showcase Finnish circular design brand product range.</div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2010 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2011 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p><a href="https://niimaar.com/" target="_blank">Niimaar</a>, a Finnish brand committed to changing the throwaway culture with beautiful forever lasting designs, has opened its sustainability showroom in Helsinki, Finland.</p> <p>The sustainability showroom workshop and meeting space were unveiled on the 15th of April in central Helsinki.</p> <p>The mission of this new establishment is to inspire and educate towards zero waste and showcase Niimaar’s Forever Product range.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2014 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2012 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Speaking on the launch of the showroom and webshop, Founder and CEO, Enni Karikoski said:</p> <p>“Niimaar is dedicated to addressing climate change and waste, bringing our recycling designs to more homes and businesses, as well as consulting and talks.</p> <p>Provided via our new global website and shop, workshops and Sustainability Showroom.</p> <p>This is a major step forward in delivering on our mission to change throwaway culture, one step at a time.’’</p> <p>Niimaar is a nimble family company founded by mothers and daughters, with an upbeat can-do attitude and commitment to make the world work better.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2013 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/615.png" width="576" height="723" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Enni Karikoski, Founder and CEO, Niimaar</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2015 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Founders are spurred on by the fact that every year 8 million tonnes of plastic ends up in the ocean: to this date, their volunteers have cleaned 5 tonnes of waste from beaches across Europe.</p> <p>They donate 5% of their profits to social and green community projects.</p> <p>She added, “Our Sustainability Showroom and products all help rid our world of single-use plastic bags and unsightly bins.</p> <blockquote> <p>The new workshops and talks will be open to all, so everyone is welcome who is interested or involved in the topics of sustainability and accessible quality designs, built to serve and last generations.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2016 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Digging deeper behind Finnish well-being is a will to make things work for everyone. In a country with more forests and lakes than people, pulling together is a must.</p> <p>Yet connectedness with nature probably has a lot to do with contentment too. Niimaar’s values and philosophy stem from all of this as their Forever Products reflect it.</p> <p>They are striving to change the current throwaway culture and believe in the power of thoughtful and circular design to inspire responsible behaviour.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2019 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2017 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/616.png" width="736" height="622" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Award-winning Ecogrande Recycling Station; Image: Niimaar</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2018 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>They have also launched their Ecogrande Recycling Station and won two awards from the German Design Council in two categories of Excellent Public Design and Excellent Eco Design.</p> <p>Ecogrande is intended to bring the trademark versatility and flexibility to any cafe, hotel or office space.</p> <p>All designs and materials being 100% Finnish and by multi-award-winning Harri Koskinen.</p> <p>Ecogrande is recognised for addressing modern-day challenges of creating timeless yet contemporary designs which fit the modern home and business need to recycle in a fashionable and functional manner.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2020 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>With the rising demand in Scandinavian and Nordic countries, the brand has simultaneously unveiled its new webshop – in English, Finnish and Japanese.</p> <p>Niimaar is an official partner of a wooden Metsä Pavilion, the national partner house of Finnish Olympic Teams ‘Home of Finland’ at the Finnish Tokyo embassy during Tokyo Olympics 2021 and all year.</p> <p class="text-align-right"><span style="font-size:10px">Headline image: <a href="https://niimaar.com/" target="_blank">Niimaar</a></span></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">April 2021</div> Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:22:12 +0000 Bronagh Loughlin 145 at https://climatejournal.news