Innovation within design comes down to how we use  materials and how the design process sets up the lifecycle of any item long  term.  

The creation of new materials from renewable, innovative or waste sources requires thinking, on order to develop materials which will also work and last.

Industry leaders consider new materials in the design process, with new techniques and uses to incorporate them effectively. This approach will reach full scale through further public and private investments on materials.  

The transformation of waste into secondary raw materials is a compelling solution, alongside improving quality and durability of these materials throughout their life.    

Another approach to reducing waste is found in the development of more circular materials.

Innovation can help decrease waste throughout the production process. This includes GHG emissions and waste water, but also the waste of fabric.  

An innovative way to prevent fabric waste is through printing of fabric. Not only does it reduce pollution of fabric dye, it also helps optimise the cutting of the material.

Innovation within the apparel and footwear  industry will also constitute innovative business models.

In order to reduce waste, we need to explore reuse, repair and rental schemes as viable business options.

A good way to kick start such innovation is by supporting pilot projects for new business models around the EU.

If we want to promote a market for secondary raw materials, we need to be inventive when it comes to both their recovery and transformation.    

When secondary raw materials are more available, it will give us the opportunity to improve their quality, creating a preference for the use of secondary materials.