South Limburg now has its own circular textile workshop. The workshop, located in Qeske Maastricht, focuses on research, development of new materials, and small-scale production of prototypes, including recycled and renewable textile products. This initiative is part of the Regional Deal South Limburg and is made possible by additional contributions from the municipality of Maastricht, the Jan van Eyck Academy, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials, and various entrepreneurs and creative makers. These parties aim to bring the knowledge that is abundantly present in the region closer to practice, among other things by collaborating closely with students. The partners of the workshop contribute to raising awareness about our handling of clothing and goods and aim to promote a more sustainable and circular textile industry. A separate foundation, Textile Innovation Maastricht, will manage the workshop.
No more textiles in waste
Hubert Mackus, alderman for economy of Maastricht, performed the opening in the presence of all partners: “The national government is working towards a fully circular textile chain by 2050, meaning that –unlike what is still the case now- no textiles will end up in waste. This requires everyone: from producer to consumer, thus also different behavior. This development offers opportunities for employment and the Dutch textile industry, but also requires creativity, innovation, and new craftsmanship. We want to help with this in South Limburg. With this initiative, we combine our strengths and give the circular economy a fixed place.”
Circular textiles are necessary
The clothing industry is one of the most polluting sectors in the world. The limited reusability of raw materials, the intensive use of chemicals and water, and the large amount of waste make sustainability necessary.
The national government is working with businesses, social organizations, knowledge institutions, and other governments towards a sustainable economy. In this circular economy, there is smart and economical use of raw materials, often biodegradable, and that will also be the starting point for textiles in the future.
Investment of € 2 million in regional development
Within the Regional Deal South Limburg, a future-proof, circular economy is one of the three priorities. The collaboration with the national government makes it possible to invest in this project. From the national government, € 550,000 has been made available for the development of the circular textile workshop. The other parties are investing an additional € 1.4 million.
High-quality knitting machine
The circular workshop is equipped with various machines. The latest addition is a high-quality knitting machine. This allows new materials to be processed. In the coming year, the machine park will be further expanded. With these shared machines, the workshop enables creative makers, students, and entrepreneurs to process new and recycled materials into prototypes and test production.
Jorn Behage, chairman of the TIM foundation (Textile Innovation Maastricht): “The Textile Innovation Maastricht Foundation forms a bridge between the worlds of industry, science, art, and culture. In an inspiring environment and with an up-to-date machine park for textile developments, the creative and making industry in Maastricht is given the opportunity to research and implement future-oriented technologies and materials.”