Kick-off of the EU project "Symcraft": focus on the circular economy and skilled crafts and trades

In July 2024, the IAGF staff met with the team from the Textile Center Haslach in Upper Austria for an important kick-off: the kick-off meeting of the EU Interreg project "Symcraft".

This pioneering project focuses on the circular economy and the recycling of textile waste. The main aim of Symcraft is to use textile waste generated in industry as a valuable resource for craft and design processes and to create new products from it by professional craftspeople.

Circular economy and crafts - an innovative partnership
The project is part of an international network of partners from seven other EU countries and aims to promote cooperation between crafts and industry. A central concern of Symcraft is the creation of sustainable models for the future, which should lead to long-term cooperation between industrial companies and craft businesses. This connection is intended to create innovative approaches that not only promote the recycling of materials, but also emphasize craftsmanship creativity and expertise.

Workshops and network meetings at the Textile Centre Haslach
Together with the IAGF, the Textile Centre Haslach will be organizing several network meetings and workshops over the coming months. The focus will be on developing specific product ideas and devising communication formats to raise awareness of sustainability and the importance of a circular economy among the general public. These formats aim to make knowledge about sustainable production methods and creative ways of recycling accessible to a wide audience.

Insight into textile history and innovative idea generation
To kick off the meeting, the IAGF employees visited the Weaving Museum at the Textile Center Haslach. In addition to a general introduction to textile materials, techniques and machines from various historical periods, the guests were given a comprehensive overview of the basics of textile design. The visit to the in-house textile production facility also enabled an intensive exchange of expertise.

First steps for the EU project Symcraft
During the kick-off meeting, the central work packages for the Symcraft project were defined and initial ideas for successful implementation were developed. This initial phase marks the start of a promising collaboration that is intended to steer both the craft sector and industry in new directions in order to find innovative and sustainable solutions for textile waste.

The Symcraft project is thus providing an important impetus for the future of European craftsmanship and the circular economy, with a clear focus on sustainability and innovation.

Website of the Symcraft project

Website of the Textile Center Haslach