South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency hosted the Kick-off Partners meeting under  TEX-DAN project, which was held in Pecs, Hungary in the period  04 - 06 March 2024. The team of RAPIV and the other 13 partners from 11 countries from the danube Region took an active part in the discussions for laying the foundations for the implementation of the project activities. 

TEX-DAN aims at the uptake of technologies by SMEs for improved circularity in textile and fashion value chains through transnational cooperation in the Danube Region. 

The Danube region is characterized by great differences in the use of circular solutions in the textile and fashion value chains. For example, in terms of textile processing, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic are leaders, while other countries have a lot to do to catch up. In many aspects – including circularity – the textile and fashion sectors lag behind other sectors. In addition, a low level of awareness of circular decisions is observed throughout the Danube region. TEX-DAN partners are united around the idea that there is a need to improve knowledge, approaches, know-how for innovative technologies, support measures, policy change that will lead to successful integration of circular aspects in the textile industry. There is a need for activities to raise awareness, connecting market participants and educating. 

Our project will test technological solutions along 4 key segments of the value chain: 1) bio-economy clothing, 2) circular design, 3) circular production processes, 4) recycling.

The partners aim to build on local, regional and national policies that promote the circular economy by stimulating transnational cooperation and knowledge exchange and will create different sustainable forms of transnational cooperation.