International projects
Collaborative solutions for a heritage & consumer sensitive relocalization of sustainable, circular, and innovative Alpine textile value chains
Researchers (6)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Textile value chains need an urgent change being one of the most polluting sectors with a massive
potential for CO2 reduction. The Alps have a rich textile heritage with specific aesthetics & knowhow
based on values of circularity&sensitivity to local resources (e.g. wool, linen, dyeing plants). Now that
consumers are critical of products from globalised value chains & increasingly desire living
sustainable lifestyles, such heritage could contribute to re-territorialise Alpine textile value chains,
long disrupted by global sourcing & the offshoring of production, thus boosting natural local
resources, projecting an attractive image capable of justifying the higher prices of Alpine products &
fostering regional development & jobs creation.
AlpTextyles will develop collaborative solutions accelerating the relocalisation of sustainable, circular
Alpine textile value chains sensitive to natural&cultural resources and capturing consumers’ desire
for postcarbon lifestyles, thus improving cross-border cooperation. These will include: 1 Orientation
guides helping firms to innovate in a heritage-sensitive & circular manner 2 Toolkits helping cultural
institutions safeguard textile heritage 3 Policy brief addressing the EU strategy for sustainable
textiles & forthcoming geographical indications for heritage products, EUSALP action plans &
regional authorities’ policies; 4 MOOC raising awareness & building capacity on Alpine textile heritage
and its circular future.
AlpTextyles is innovative as it brings to the table of Alpine cooperation a relevant so far neglected
discussion; generates insights on consumers' desire to dress in a more CO2 neutral manner &
perceived image/willingness to pay for Alpine products; builds a case for cross-border cooperation,
normally hindered by policies fostering 100% local/national value chains; combines cultural &
business expertise generating counter-intuitive cross-sectoral recommendations for agricultural,
industrial & cultural policy.
