Materials-First and Product-First Approaches to Creating Local, Circular & Bio-based Textiles in the HEREWEAR Project

The HEREWEAR project aimed to establish a sustainable European textile ecosystem by developing locally produced clothing from bio-based materials. Addressing the drawbacks of conventional cotton and polyester, the project piloted cellulose and bio-based polyester textiles at semi-industrial scale. Over 50 prototype garments were created, combining innovative design with small-scale, on-demand production, via regional microfactories. Two design approaches were developed: a Material-First approach, exemplified in this paper by the presentation of the modular Flexi-Dress made from wheat-straw cellulose. The design of the dress emphasised multifunctionality and circular lifecycle extension approaches. The Product-First approach is illustrated in the paper by the Day Shirt, which was designed to optimise monomaterial construction and recyclability approaches. HEREWEAR demonstrates the feasibility of integrating sustainable materials, design tools, and networked manufacturing to create a European circular, bio-based textile system, offering a practical model for environmentally and socially responsible fashion.

• https://herewear.eu/