GENERAL INFORMATION
The TEX-BREIN project is designed to build innovation capacity and drive the circular transformation of textile ecosystems across Europe, in line with the EU Strategy for Sustainable Textiles and Circular Economy. By fostering resilient and innovative textile value chains, TEX-BREIN aims to promote sustainable production processes and reduce textile waste.
The project focuses on strengthening interregional cooperation between stakeholders from less developed and more developed regions. It supports knowledge sharing, upskilling of sector employers, and the transfer of best practices—particularly in textile recycling and circular economy solutions. A key element is the development of cross-border cooperation plans for SMEs and the establishment of textile recycling centres in less developed regions.
TEX-BREIN brings together 8 partners from 6 European regions, including Severovýchod (Czech Republic), Norte (Portugal), Łódzkie (Poland) as less developed regions, and Tuscany (Italy), Catalonia (Spain), and Vastra Gotaland (Sweden) as more developed regions. The project will create a portfolio of 20 business cases to support investment and innovation, helping to reduce regional disparities and accelerate a green, circular textile industry across Europe.
Through collaboration between public entities, innovation intermediaries, and industry players, TEX-BREIN aims to enhance sustainable links between textile hubs and drive systemic change for a more circular future in the textile sector.
Work packages
The TEX-BREIN project is structured around four key work packages designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and circular transformation within the European textile sector.
WP1 – Ecosystem Building
- Maps key innovation actors and regional strengths.
- Aligns needs with S3 strategies to guide joint innovation.
This work package focuses on analyzing and mapping the innovation ecosystems across all participating regions. It identifies key actors, local strengths, and opportunities for synergy within complementary textile value chains. By engaging with regional policy makers, WP1 aims to align regional strategies with real industry needs, creating a guiding framework to support innovation and sustainable growth.
WP2 – Capacity Building
- Boosts stakeholder skills in circular textile innovation.
- Prepares regions for future I3 participation.
WP2 is dedicated to strengthening the skills and capabilities of stakeholders involved in textile recycling and circular economy initiatives. Through targeted training and knowledge sharing, this work package prepares SMEs and partners to effectively participate in collaborative innovation and investment programs.
WP3 – SME Engagement & Project Portfolio
- Builds a strong SME ecosystem for green innovation.
- Develops investment-ready SME project ideas.
The goal of WP3 is to build an active and cooperative ecosystem that empowers SMEs in the textile sector. It promotes resilience and innovation by generating new project ideas focused on green and digital transitions. These ideas will form a portfolio of investment-ready proposals, positioning SMEs to take advantage of future funding opportunities.
WP4 – Re-Hubs Pilot Cases
- Designs pilot projects for circular textile re-hubs.
- Prepares cases for upcoming I3 funding calls.
WP4 supports the creation and development of textile re-hubs—collaborative projects focused on circular business models and sustainable textile recycling. This work package drives cross-regional and cross-sector knowledge transfer, ensuring pilot cases are developed and ready to apply for future innovation funding.
Together, these work packages create a comprehensive approach to accelerating sustainable innovation and circular economy practices across Europe’s textile ecosystems.