As part of the MAXIM project, an interdisciplinary project team develops solutions that prevent clothing waste whilst creating environmental, economic and social benefits for all stakeholders involved. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (abbreviated BMFTR, per its German name) as part of the DATIpilot Innovation Community Circular Textiles (CirTex).
The researchers examine a key tension within the textile sector: on the one hand, consumption and waste need to be reduced; on the other, innovations and economically viable business models are required. The project team therefore pursues a Both/And approach, developing business models specifically geared towards waste prevention. Key stakeholders from industry, academia, politics and the consumer sector are actively involved in this process.
In this context, the project team is addressing, amongst other things, the following key questions:
- How can influencing factors and scope for action along the textile value chain be analysed in order to effectively prevent clothing waste?
- How can the tension between reducing consumption and waste on the one hand, and the need for innovation and economically viable business models on the other, be resolved?
- Which integrative business models and educational contents support changes in consumer behaviour, promote resource-efficient production methods and strengthen new market mechanisms?
Methodologically, the researchers examine influencing factors as well as the scope for action along the textile value chain in three interlinked work packages, using social science and life cycle assessment (LCA) methods. The project scope includes, amongst other things, ecological assessments of the relevant textiles, analyses of stakeholders and influencing factors along the textile value chain, and the development of practical visions and business models in transdisciplinary workshops.
The project team expands on the insights gained through vision-building workshops as well as "thinking-at-the-edge" workshops, and translates the results into practical business models and recommendations for action.
A key focus is on integrative business models that support changes in consumer behaviour, promote resource-efficient production methods and strengthen new market mechanisms for sustainable textiles. In addition, the researchers develop educational content, support the transfer of knowledge into practice and education, and derive politically viable recommendations for action.