Problem addressed

The main objective of the project is to create training, employment and entry-level jobs for participants far from the labor market. At the same time, we will effectively address the challenge that will arise as a consequence of the EU Waste Directive on the separate collection of all textile waste by January 1, 2025. We will focus on getting long-term unemployed, refugees and IVAS in Sweden between 21 and 59 years old closer to and entering the labor market in the framework of circular transition, by completing ongoing tests on and for the target group's integration and labor market entry, with the methodological development that will result from the project. The pathways there are collection-sorting-recycling-reuse-upcycling/remake. The further along the circular chain, the higher the potential added value. However, this must be subject to a market with the ability and willingness to pay for the services performed in the circular chain.

Innovative solution

The overall objective of the project is to develop innovative solutions for managing the increasing amount of textile waste that municipalities will be responsible for from 2025 onwards. At the same time, it focuses on skills development and recycling training for long-term unemployed people aged between 21 and 59, with good language skills in English or Swedish.

Key results and benefits

By integrating circular practices and social inclusion into our project, we aim to find a sustainable circular business model or process for textile recycling that includes a method for labour market integration . Our vision is that the resulting concept will be our final "circular solution" that we aim to identify during the project period. 

Potential for mainstreaming

This circular solution and method for labour market integration can be a model for making the textile industry more sustainable and inclusive while creating opportunities for unemployed and economically vulnerable individuals. In addition, this method will be used by municipalities and other actors in Sweden and the rest of the EU to manage the large amount of textile waste that the EU law will require them to manage in an environmentally friendly way from January 1, 2025.