The mapping report (see Chapter 2) highlighted the need to address competence gaps related to circular transition in the fashion and textile industry. The mapping also showed that while each Nordic country has unique expertise and know-how in specific areas of the textile value chain, this expertise and knowledge has not necessarily been shared across the Nordics. Sharing Nordic Circular Competences sought to fill these gaps by establishing a new Nordic network bringing into focus circular design, recycled materials and best practices for collecting, sorting and treating textile waste. In this way, the initiative supported the development of circular competences in Nordic companies and organizations, with a focus on the nexus between design and textile waste.

Sharing Nordic Circular Competences was aimed at professionals and had more than 100 sign-ups. Each webinar was attended by 20–43 participants from across the Nordics and mainly comprised of companies and organizations but also sparked the interest of a smaller group of citizens. 

The initiative involved a series of webinars focusing on selected topics that led the participants through the value chain from the textile waste bin to the global production and supply chain perspective (see the program below).

The activities were originally structured as 2.5-hour sessions featuring webinars followed by a workshop. This was later changed to two-hour sessions as webinar-only, with a different structure, to better accommodate the question and debate part that flowed naturally after each presentation.

The format was selected in an effort to bridge knowledge gathered from across the value chain, with an emphasis on recyclers and designers getting a better understanding of each other’s work. During the webinars, participants gained access to cutting-edge research and knowledge, as well as the opportunity to meet and interact with peers across the Nordic countries. Relevant presenters were identified for the webinars using the mapping report (see Chapter 2), as well as advice from affiliated partners to the project, including the steering committee and the reference group. All presenters were chosen based on their expertise, having worked on the selected topics for years and being able to present the latest cutting-edge knowledge. Webinar presentations were recorded and made available on the project website, together with slides from the presentations to the extent possible.

The webinar presentations were recorded, and both recordings and slides are available online on the project website: https://mst.dk/erhverv/groen-produktion-og-affald/affald-og-genanvendelse/affaldshaandtering/affaldsfraktioner/tekstilaffald/the-nordic-textile-collaboration