Training at all levels is important for the transition to a circular economy, especially at university level, as well as awareness raising among companies and other stakeholders in the textile sector. The needs of textile companies in the transition towards the development of sustainable processes and the growing need to achieve a circular economy require specific training. Through the use of emerging training technologies, such as virtual reality, as well as the structuring of the new system of micro-credentials, the project aims to contribute to the provision of knowledge on the circular economy in the textile sector. Thanks to the great experience of the universities involved in the project, it has been possible to develop an online course on the circular economy in the technical textile sector, as well as the possibility of participating in virtual laboratories without to move to them, which are far away from the majority of the population, with specific equipment for the required learning.
There is no doubt that the current consumption system is unsustainable. The textile sector, in particular, is one of the sectors with the greatest impact on this situation due to its consumption of resources and generation of waste. The mass production of clothing and accessories, combined with the growing demand for fast fashion and the emergence of technical and functional textiles, has led to a significant increase in textile waste and contributed to environmental problems such as water pollution and gas emissions. The European Union has recognised this situation and intends to implement new legislation in the coming years, with a target date of 2025, to enable a transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where products are designed to be reusable, repairable, efficient, recyclable, etc. The circular economy has emerged as a promising solution to address sustainability challenges in the textile sector. Based on the above, the project aims to explore the issues and contribute to the transition towards a circular economy.