Innovation Fund has granted DKK 106.5 million for a mission-driven partnership, which will support research within the circular economy for plastics and textiles in Denmark until 2050. BESTSELLER is among the 92 partners that must contribute to the green transition through one out of four national missions.
“At BESTSELLER, we have a strong focus on innovation within circular economy, through projects and investments such as the one in Finnish Infinited Fiber Company. Their innovative technology transforms cellulose-based raw materials – such as cotton waste – into a regenerated textile fibre of highest quality, which can later be recycled in the same process as other textile waste. We should also be able to foster that kind of technical innovation in Denmark”, says BESTSELLER’s Head of Sustainability, Dorte Rye Olsen, who also partakes in the board of the Partnership within Circular Economy of Plastics and Textiles.
Garments, shoes and other textiles are often composed of many different materials, making them difficult to recycle. The same applies to plastic waste, which is both a complicated and mixed plastic stream. In contrast to materials such as cardboard, metal and glass – which we to a great extent recycle in Denmark – plastic and textiles end up in e.g. the incinerator, with CO2 emissions as the result.
These two materials also affect the environment during production, meaning that better recirculation will significantly contribute to reducing climate and environmental impacts.
Dorte Rye Olsen elaborates: “It’s really important that funds and skills are centrally set aside to ensure innovation and research-based work that includes experience from companies working in the field. This involves different players across different sectors – from research to education, the waste sector, companies, and not least politicians and ultimately consumers, who also must get used to new habits.”
“With this partnership, we must ensure that all innovation forces come together, to create an overview and at the same time invest properly to create the systemic change that is necessary to succeed with a circular economy,” she says.
Specifically, BESTSELLER has committed to participate in various projects and will contribute with skills, internal resources and finances.
BESTSELLER also takes part in the recently announced ‘Sektorsamarbejde for cirkularitet’ – the Sector cooperation for circularity. This was launched on 8 August by the Danish Ministry of Environment and the fashion and textile industry. Here, all Danish companies can participate in knowledge sharing and exchange of experience to ensure joint progress and action.
