![](https://www.alpine-space.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AlpTextyles-_Logo_Standard_large.png)
Overview
Textile value chains are amongst the most polluting industries, with a massive potential for CO2 reduction. When we approach the rich textile heritage of the Alps, we see it brimming with specific aesthetics and know-how based on values of circularity and sensitivity to local resources.
So, as consumers grow increasingly critical of globalized value chains and turn to more sustainable lifestyles, the Alpine heritage could contribute to re-territorialize the local textile value chains disrupted by global sourcing and offshore production while boosting natural local resources and projecting an attractive image that justifies the price point of Alpine products.
With its 12 partner organizations from 6 Alpine countries, AlpTextyles gathers precious textile ecosystems to create a common ground of expertise in research and innovation, foster regional development and job creation, and safeguard cultural heritage and circularity.
Factsheet
- 2021 – 2027
- Carbon neutral and resource sensitive Alpine region
- SO 2.2 - Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy
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- AG3 Labour market, education and training
- AG6 Natural resources
- 11/2022
- 10/2025
- 2.979.694 EUR
- 1.970.770 EUR
Partners
- Lead partner
- Switzerland
- Ostschweiz (CH05)
- Poschiavo
- Cassiano Luminati
- cassiano.luminati@polo-poschiavo.ch
- Slovenia
- Zahodna Slovenija (SI04)
- Ljubljana
- Katarina Šrimpf Vendramin
- katarina.srimpf@zrc-sazu.si
- France
- Rhône-Alpes (FRK2)
- Ecully
- Diego Rinallo
- rinallo@em-lyon.com
- Slovenia
- Zahodna Slovenija (SI04)
- Škofja Loka
- Katarina Sekirnik
- rokodelskicenter@visitskofjaloka.si
- Italy
- Lombardia (ITC4)
- Milano
- Maria Agostina Lavagnino
- maria_agostina_lavagnino@regione.lombardia.it
- Italy
- Lombardia (ITC4)
- Milano
- Mauro Sampellegrini
- sampellegrini@sistemamodaitalia.it
- Italy
- Piemonte (ITC1)
- Torino
- Alessandro Bevilacqua
- bevilacqua@bellissimo.it
- Italy
- Lombardia (ITC4)
- Milano
- Paolo Meroni
- p.meroni@istitutomarangoni.com
- France
- Rhône-Alpes (FRK2)
- Ecully
- Robin Oddon
- international@techtera.org
- Austria
- Vorarlberg (AT34)
- Schruns
- Michael Kasper
- m.kasper@montafoner-museen.at
- Switzerland
- Région lémanique (CH01)
- Conthey
- Audrey Kuhn
- audrey.kuhn@mediplant.ch
- Germany
- Mittelfranken (DE25)
- Erlangen
- Tobias Chilla
- tobias.chilla@fau.de
- 46.3251697510.06081852952586
- 46.0476100514.504711191204319
- 45.78668264.7647662
- 46.1639070514.306674164430577
- 45.48604249.1959558
- 45.47817529.1656178
- 45.06775517.6824892
- 45.42766139.0495351
- 45.78642114.7713117
- 47.075008559.911752486928934
- 46.22503127.2961027
- 49.59787210000000411.004528231227573
Outcomes
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Concept for the development of heritage-sensitive & circular textile craft & Industrial products through cross-border matchmaking
Jointly developed by PPs based on WP1 activities & tested in pilot actions 2.1&2.4, the output proposes a replicable & scalable format to develop heritage-sensitive & circular new textile craft & industrial products based on: 1 Concept development; 2 Analysis of missing resources/technologies/skills; 3 Cross-border matchmaking of farmers, breeders, craftspeople, technical/technology providers, experts in heritage safeguarding/textile design/circular design/storytelling; 4 product development. -
Format for communicating the value of heritage-sensitive, circular, cross-border textile products to consumers
Jointly developed by PPs based on WP1 activities & tested in activity 2.1, the output proposes a replicable&scalable communication format to persuade consumers of the value of circular, heritage-sensitive Alpine textile products. The format, based on heritage storytelling principles, will address consumer distrust of sustainability claims (perceivable as greenwashing) & difficulties in promoting products from cross-border value chains (respect to regional/national value chains). -
Innovative formats for the cross-border trainings of youth, students and professionals on the living textile heritage of the Alps and sustainable and circular value chains
Jointly developed by PPs based on WP1 activities & tested in activity 2.2, the output proposes innovative formats to raise awareness about & build capacity on the Alpine textile heritage & circular & resource-sensitive textile design through 1Open contests open to students and youth in the Alps 2Collaboration with Alpine textile schools 3Learning visits to farms, weaving workshops & other sites 4Development of new products & communication approaches targeting the new generations' sensitivities. -
Heritage-sensitive & circular Alpine textile value chains: Orientation Guides and Heritage Safeguarding Toolkits
Output will make accessible project insights to TGs. 1 Orientation Guides will help textile SMEs & business support organisations to establish circular & heritage-sensitive value chains meeting consumer need for postcarbon lifestyles. 2 Heritage Safeguarding toolkit will help cultural institutions & heritage communities document, digitalize, revitalize, protect through IP rights the Alpine textile heritage & engage with new generations & textile designers. -
Heritage-sensitive & circular Alpine textile value chains: Policy Brief
This Policy Brief (PB) will report on the traditional Alpine textile heritage & current state and potential of the Alpine textile sector, providing multi-sectoral strategic recommendations for cultural and textile policies at the regional and macro-regional (i.e., EUSALP) level, also considering the EU strategy for sustainable textiles & the coming EU regulation on geographical indications for heritage textile craft&industrial products. -
"The living textile heritage of the Alps and its sustainable circular future" Massive Online Open Course (MOOC)
The MOOC will raise awareness & build capacity on the living textile heritage of the Alps, from traditional knowhow and aesthetics to its circular and sustainable future. Participants – students and professionals alike – will learn about the cultural added value of heritage-sensitive innovation and storytelling and how to work with heritage communities in respectful manners avoiding cultural appropriation.
Pilots
Videos
Gallery
- Inspiring cultureArchivio fotografico Valposchiavo | www.istoria.ch
- Preserving natureCourtesy of Rokodelski Center Škofja Loka
- Innovative technologyShutterstock
- Sustainable practicesUnsplash
- Contemporary expertiseCourtesy of Rokodelski Center Škofja Loka
- Community spiritCourtesy of Rokodelski Center Škofja Loka
- Circular fashionShutterstock
- Responsible lifestyleUnsplash
Downloads
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This handbook is a synthesized guide to the project — an overview of its conceptual foundation, work plan, and partners, the collaborative process and the other guiding principles, the outputs, interaction with other European strategies and projects, and long-term objectives.Download
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On January 23, 2023, the twelve partner organizations gathered in Ljubljana for the project’s public kick-off before European institutions. Following up, the first noon-to-noon work session focused on the preliminary work on WP1 and the communication strategy.Download
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MAPPING CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS OF TEXTILES “MADE IN THE ALPS” Are consumers —and will they be increasingly— willing to pay more for textile products from sustainable Alpine value chains? Does “Made in the Alps” benefit from an added symbolic value? emlyon business school analyzed consumer perceptions of Alpine products to highlight that the positive Alpine image, tied to nature and artisanal know-how, is more linked to tourism consumption than local production. Except for traditional attire, textiles are absent in consumer perception, aligning with brands’ emphasis on sports and luxury. Through its Lifestyle Research Center, emlyon focuses on enhancing consumer communication strategies to justify premium prices for artisanal and machine-made products. It is a pivotal activity for AlpTextyles, as it seeks to relocalize sustainable textile value chains in the Alps, aligning with heritage and consumer preferences. The goal is to bridge the gap between the positive Alpine image and consumer perceptions, fostering appreciation for sustainable Alpine textile products.Download
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MAPPING VALUE CHAINS OF THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN THE ALPS FAU’s research work consists of cartographic maps, schematic mappings, and condensed commentaries. In AlpTextyles’ initial phase, the team delivers two key findings as commented mappings. The first document focuses on the Alpine wool sector zooming on the production network, value creation, and environmental footprint matters. The second document delves into the Alpine textile governance and presents mappings of institutions, labels, and trademarks. The underlying methodology is a two-step research approach. Initially, secondary information is collected from statistical databases and sector reports and compiled draft mappings. Then, these drafts are validated and further developed via interviews with experts selected for their sector expertise — not as representatives of single companies. This approach ensures comprehensive and reliable results in a differentiated way, serving as an analytical base for the following pilot and implementation phases of the project.Download
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ELEVATING VISION BY TRADITION: ALPINE BEAUTY UNVEILED What does contemporary creativity see in the Alps? And how do artists and designers perceive and translate the aesthetic elements typical of the mountains into an original vision? Can this vision stimulate new interpretations of products? The research work of Istituto Marangoni delves into these open questions threading a visual journey through the traditions of the past, the creativity of the present, and the challenges of the future. The goal is to unveil the essence of the Alps in reference to the fields of fashion and design, offering a stimulus for creative and innovative visions that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Adding to this perspective, the visual research on aesthetic values can also be a practical and operational tool for translating new aesthetic suggestions into the creative and production processes, facilitating innovation, and experimenting with new codes and evocative languages.Download
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RESOURCES TURNED INTO WASTE? FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE OF WOOL, FLAX, AND SILK IN THE ALPS Knowledge of the textile heritage, traditions, and history of textile production in the Alps is fragmented at local, regional, and national levels, making it difficult to provide an overview of the entire Alpine level. Based on secondary sources and with the help of project partners, ZRC SAZU has researched the production and use of textiles in past traditions and current practice in the Alpine region, creating an initial understanding of the local textile heritage, with a focus on specific fibres such as wool, linen and silk, as well as aspects of aesthetics and traditional costumes. The research also shows how the resource sensitivity rooted in local customs can be an inspiration for current circular practice, highlighting some of the key milestones and traditional aspects of textile production to promote sustainability across the industry.Download
Project calendar
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