LABSTORE

By University of Borås

Published on 26 March 2025

Sweden

About this good practice

Today, the textile industry is characterized by a paradox where large volumes are exported outside Europe due to weak domestic demand and the lack of a developed system to utilize these resources within Sweden's borders. The situation highlights the need for a more sustainable and circular strategy, where waste is minimized and resources are maximized – a sustainable circular textile system. At Science Park Borås, we are taking on the challenge through the projects System Demonstrator for a Sustainable Textile System and Circular Hub Twin Transition, which investigate whether the supply and demand for second-hand products in Sweden can be increased through new offers and channels.

A volume of 5138 kg of Björkåfrihets Export fraction (Prepared for reuse and recycling, and materials for Björkåfrihet's stores sorted out) were sorted with the purpose to evaluate whether there is potential for a form of financing on the Swedish market as an alternative to today's exports. Potential customers identified in the project: Brands, Commercial secondhand stores and Remake designers.

Expert opinion

The production and consumption of textile products continue to grow and so does their impact on climate, environment, water and energy consumption. The consumption of clothing and footwear is expected to show an increase of 63% by 2030 – rising from 62 million tonnes now to 102 million tonnes in 2030. In the EU, the consumption of textiles, most of which are imported, now ranks the fourth, in terms of negative impact on the environment and climate change, and third highest in water and land use from a global life cycle perspective. Some 5.8 million tonnes of textiles are discarded every year, often ending up in landfills or incineration plants. This good practice is in accordance with the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, which is part of the EU circular economy action plan and the Green Deal. This great initiative is looking to increase and find new supply and demand outlets for second-hand products in Sweden. The goal is to ultimately reduce the demand for new clothes and divert textile from waste. The project could serve as a model for scaling second-hand markets and inspire other regions and countries to explore similar approaches.

Magda Michaliková

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

The national project System Demonstrator financed it (Vinnova funds, which are government financing), and employees from Science Park Borås and other relevant stakeholders in the project were involved. Around 10 people were involved in the sorting, led by 1 person.

Evidence of success

About 1350 kg were sorted from the export fraction. 6% went to five brands for circular design discussions, reconditioning tests, and secondhand sales. 2% (premium quality) was used to sell the concept of buying from central textile collections, with ongoing tests in three stores. 18.7% was selected for remake based on material quality and style, intended for future projects.

Potential for learning or transfer

The Labstore initiative demonstrates strong potential for learning and transfer by challenging misconceptions about exported textiles and showcasing the value of carefully curated second-hand garments. By highlighting the possibility of reselling export-quality textiles within Sweden, it serves as a model for scaling second-hand markets and inspires other actors to explore similar approaches. The project also fosters collaboration between stakeholders, promoting knowledge exchange and encouraging more sustainable and circular practices in the textile industry.