What was your responsibility in this project?

We like to think we got to take the first step in the circular design and manufacturing workflow. Our team translated a product idea into a market-ready women’s shirt by coupling zero-waste pattern engineering with 3D virtual sampling. In practice that meant no fabric was cut until the digital twin was perfect, so every millimetre of cloth served a purpose. We also documented the entire workflow as a reproducible pilot for other European SMEs.

What is your vision for circular textiles within Europe?

We see a continent strongly interconnected by micro factory hubs, with rich local production sites that can complement each other to achieve true circularity and enrich their communities in the process. We think the future of fashion is one where garments are designed for longevity, reuse, and recyclability from the outset – meaning materials and components can be recovered or regenerated in continuous loops. Achieving this requires embracing cutting-edge tools like 3D prototyping and virtual sampling to minimize waste and shorten development cycles. We believe that we are currently experiencing a paradigm shift from traditional linear supply chains and that in time can give way to a smart interconnected value circle that also aligns with the industry’s need for resilience, increased optimization and sustainability in a holistic manner.

What would make these circular practices easier for you to adopt?

Perhaps the most important aspect is to provide targeted incentives for SMEs for the uptake and continued implementation of best practices and also have clear circular design and practice standards in terms of durability, recycling and also transparency. Finally, and probably the most difficult aspect would be implementing a single EU-wide system that could support the aspects related to collection and fibre to fibre recycling at end of life.

What advice would you give to other entities that want to replicate the value circle?

Start with radical collaboration: bring recyclers, material scientists, designers and makers to the same table on day one and tackle issues openly. They will be your most valuable partners. Digitise your patterns and prototypes early—3D saves time, fabric and sets you up for success. Share your achievements as openly as possible. It will build trust and help boost learning. Finally, invest in change-management: circularity is as much a mindset shift as it is a supply-chain redesign, especially in an industry that is so rooted in traditional methods.

What was your drive to be a part of this initiative?

Our care and dedication to resilience and sustainability. After this journey, our motto became “Designed by hand, powered by code.” We are artisans at heart, but we believe technology is the fastest route to zero waste. The project let us test that conviction on a European stage, prove that a Romanian SME can lead on circular innovation, and inspire peers across the region.

Looking back, how did it go for you?

We delivered the garment, reduced physical sample iterations and validated fit entirely in 3D before the first fabric roll was touched. Equally important, we forged new alliances with partners now pushing further development across several departments. For us, the takeaway is clear.  when craftsmanship meets innovation, circular fashion moves from concept to commercial reality.