The innovation workplace will be realised by a joint effort of various research groups of the Hanze University: Biobased Business Valorization of the Research Centre Biobased Economy, Art & Sustainability of Art Academy Minerva, Engineering and Social Studies.
Moreover, there will be cooperation with companies, the government and intermediate vocational, higher vocational and research institutes in a pilot factory to be entirely led by students: the Dream Factory. Talks and collaborations have already been set up with educational institutions such as Alfa College, Noorderpoort, Terra College and the University of Groningen (RUG). Cooperation is also being sought with the field of work and the clothing industry. In addition, the residents of Groningen will be involved in the activities.
Biobased raw materials
The clothing industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. The innovation workshop for Circular Textiles wants to change this. For example, research will be done into the reuse of textiles and into possibilities for producing textiles more sustainably with new products. This is possible, for example, by using local Groningen crops, such as hemp, flax and seaweed, or by ‘upcycling’ materials.
An example is the recent assignment given to students of the Industrial Product Design programme to come up with a solution for inferior textile waste, such as dirty old duvets. These are normally burnt, although they are still of good quality. With this, the group designed a high-quality, sustainable piece of furniture. Check out the NXT Classic website (Dutch) for more information.
Image: Hanzehogeschool/Vimeo
