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Shared circular economy design hub opens in Edinburgh

10 Aug '15
2 min read

A new communal working space and sharing facility that helps fashion and textiles professionals work sustainably has opened in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Known as 'The Facility', the shared space aims to improve working efficiency by supplying trained technicians and design equipment for all users.

Run by textiles agency Kalopsia and supported by Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS), The Facility officially opened in an unused retail space at the city's Ocean Terminal shopping centre with panel discussions comprising members of the sustainable fashion industry and ZWS.

Up to 23 students, graduates, and start-up companies will be able to work on design and production projects in the shared space, with Kalopsia providing trained technicians and micro-manufacturing and prototyping services.

Knitting and sewing machines, mannequins and computer-aided embroiderers will also be available at the space in the future.
ZWS has helped Kalopsia to develop and implement its circular business model, aiming to 'move away from the traditional make-use-dispose approach to goods and equipment'.

Support from the government funded programme comes on the back of the Scottish Government's #MakeThingsLast campaign, which encourages the public and businesses to reduce waste through sharing or leasing. It also promotes repairing, reusing and remanufacturing as part of a wider circular economy drive.

As part of the campaign, the public is being asked to provide views on a number of circular economy initiatives, including: tool-sharing libraries; mobile phones designed to be easier to repair; leasing clothes; creating packaging from plants; and 3D-printing centres.

Ahead of The Facility's launch, Iain Gulland, CEO of ZWS, said: “This is a great example of how sharing space and equipment can help to reduce our environmental impact and save us money.

“Zero Waste Scotland is on hand to help businesses take advantage of these opportunities and helping turn the idea of a circular economy into reality.”

Adam Robertson, managing director of Kalopsia, added: “With The Facility we hope to build a community of textiles related businesses and individuals who can come together to strengthen our industry and promote the benefits of the circular economy.” (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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