In the textile sector, circular economy is widely recognised as important, yet for many SMEs the main challenge is knowing how to begin. Companies are aware of both the opportunities and expectations, but often lack the time, clarity, or concrete entry points needed to take the first steps.
The Textile Flagship Solution Model addresses this gap by building on insights gathered across the SMART CIRCUIT partnership. Feedback from SMEs and pilot activities showed that the issue is not a lack of ideas, but the absence of practical, applicable guidance that fits everyday business realities.
Based on this understanding, a step-by-step approach was developed. It began with identifying the most common challenges faced by textile SMEs, followed by mapping technologies that could realistically address them. These insights were then translated into a service portfolio aligned with SME capacities and tested in pilot environments to ensure practical applicability.
A key lesson emerging from this process is that circular transformation does not require large upfront investments. Instead, it can start with smaller, well-structured steps that gradually build confidence and capabilities within companies.
This is reflected in the strong focus on design-driven workshops. These workshops provide practical environments where companies can explore circular approaches in a structured yet flexible way. Within these settings, SMEs are able to:
· rethink their products and production processes
· exchange experiences with other companies
· experiment with new ideas without significant risk
This approach creates an accessible entry point into circularity, particularly for companies that may otherwise perceive it as too complex or resource-intensive.
The model is further strengthened by its continuation beyond the pilot phase through a Textile Flagship Initiative, jointly developed by the project partners. This initiative ensures that the tested solutions and approaches are further expanded, enabling broader knowledge transfer and uptake across regions.
In parallel, partners are integrating the developed approaches into their own ecosystems. This includes embedding workshop concepts, training formats, and collaboration mechanisms into existing activities, as well as linking circular textile solutions to wider digital innovation environments.
Overall, the Textile Flagship Solution Model does not aim to provide a single predefined solution. Instead, it creates a practical starting point that helps companies move from awareness to action, making circularity more accessible and applicable for SMEs.