The Scottish government is ramping up sustainability measures with the fashion and textiles industry with the launch of a new communal working space in Edinburgh, which promotes the sharing of equipment and resources between designers and producers.
Dubbed 'The Facility', the new space is run by Kalopsia, in conjunction with Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS), and makes its home in a former retail space in Leith's Ocean Terminal shopping center. The opening night, on August 7, saw a panel discussion made up members of the sustainable fashion industry and Lynn Wilson from Zero Waste ScotlandZWS, sharing their experiences and vision for Scottish eco-textiles and production.
So, what are the logistics of the space? Up to 23 students, graduates, and start-up companies will be able to work on design and production projects in the shared space, with Kalopsia providing trained technicians and micro-manufacturing and prototyping services to all those involved.
Knitting and sewing machines, mannequins and computer-aided embroiderers and planned for the space in the future.
“This is a great example of how sharing space and equipment can help to reduce our environmental impact and save us money," said Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of ZWS.
The Facility is the latest aspect of Scotland's 'Make It Last Campaign', which hopes to minimise energy and resource expenditure down as a result of manufacturing.
As part of the campaign, the producers are encourage to embrace tool-sharing (instead of buying hardware outright); adopt packaging and labeling from plants; and use 3D-printing centers.
“With car and house sharing services and even tool libraries now available, we’re realising the benefits of sharing and lending, so it’s great to see Kalopsia making a ‘seamless transition’ to this new business opportunity to help make the textile and design industry more sustainable," said Gulland.
“Zero Waste Scotland is on hand to help businesses take advantage of these opportunities and helping turn the idea of a circular economy into reality.”
How do you get a place?The Facility wants designers, makers and brands who are proud to make, manufacture and design in Britain. This includes producers of accessories, textiles, fashion, prints, and homewares.
Apply here for a chance to get involved.