Senior specialist rotor spinning | Thinking the complete textile chain | Digitalizing the industry requires human knowledge | Understand and quantify customer value | Product management is a holistic job
Thanks for the efforts in this project Thomas and Stefan Hauser to quantify the positive environmental impact of products with longer lifetime. Again an example, that there are possibilities to act. One challenge remains, which is the same as also observed for a second approach, better circularity of textiles: Both, wool as natural fiber with lot of positive properties same as recycled fibers with reduced carbon footprint and avoiding waste, are more expensive as fibers and more costly in processing compared to virgin short staple fibers (e.g. cotton or polyester). But the first production steps - spinning and weaving/knitting - are under big cost pressure. Those processes are not able to get their additional cost compensated by their direct customers in the following steps, also because to my observation down the chain to garment there is a lack of awareness and know-how about the complex interrelationships and for the specific know-how needed in each step for any adaption. Huge cost pressure results traditionally backwards from brands and trade, because this final step has to bear a lot of cost. It is the only visible, covering huge cost of product development and marketing. And it also has to cover the cost for finally unsellable products, which is a reasonable share. To my understanding a joint approach is needed from several sides - intensify co-operation with all participants along the chain - use approaches of Industry4.0 and AI to reduce the quantity of unsold products - continue research to understand impact of different measures - continue working on technical solutions, because creating know-how along the complex textile chain will still consume extremely time and ressources - work to create general awareness and understanding in public
🌿🚀 New Article Alert: Brakeable featured in "Forum Nachhaltig Wirtschaften"! 🚀🌿 We are thrilled to share that Brakeable has been highlighted in an insightful article published just yesterday in forum Nachhaltig Wirtschaften. The piece dives deep into the paradox faced by companies in today's competitive markets: the push for shorter product cycles versus the urgent need for sustainable practices emphasized by EU directives like the Green Claims and Eco-Design-Guidelines. 🔍 Key Highlights from the Article: 🌱 The Dilemma: Companies and consumers are caught in a cycle that demands faster product turnover, often leading to lower-quality goods, while sustainability pressures are mounting. ♻️ Product Longevity: The article explores how product longevity, seen as a key aspect of quality, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint. Quality is not just a selling point but a crucial factor in sustainable consumption, perceived as more eco-friendly than recycled products by consumers. 📊 Research Insights: In collaboration with the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research and VAUDE, the study analyzed how the lifespan of products affects their carbon footprint. Astonishingly, products with higher manufacturing efforts, such as wool textiles, showed up to 60% CO2 savings when used longer. 🔧 Design and Manufacturing: The findings highlight that improvements in product design and manufacturing can greatly enhance longevity, offering a more impactful reduction in CO2 emissions compared to other factors like energy source selection or transportation methods. 💡 Consumer Perception: Longevity is often linked to quality by consumers. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation underscores the importance of both longevity and quality to maintain product appeal and relevance. Understanding real-world usage and wear through consumer engagement is crucial for developing effective circular product strategies. 💬 Join the Conversation: We are eager to connect with industry stakeholders to drive the shift towards longer product lifecycles and sustainable business models. 🤝 Thanks to the great team making this article happen: Julian Schmidt, René Bethmann, Florian Schmid, Thomas Fischer, Mareike Giebeler, Marie Carlotta Hoffend, OpenAI #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #ProductLongevity #Carbonfootprint
Founder Brakeable I Customer Support I SAAS I Circular Economy
3moThank you Stephan! Most of all, I strongly believe in the power of the last point that you have raised: 💪 Create general awareness that consumers have at least a chance to act sustainably and are not lost in the endless complexity of “sustainability”. 🌱