Image Wear joins Circular Design training program
Photo: Circular Design
Image Wear is participating in the Circular Design training program, a unique initiative even on an international level, aimed at developing design capabilities in line with the circular economy for businesses. The "Circular Design – Development Path Towards Circular Economy" program is the first comprehensive package targeted at companies, delving into the principles and practical solutions of circular economy-compliant design. The training is provided by Design Forum Finland and circular economy expert Ethica Oy, with partners including VTT, SYKE, Sitra, Frankly Partners, Miltton, and Alice Labs.
50 companies developing operating models
The free pilot program sought applications in October from companies across various industries eager to develop their operating models and product and service design towards a carbon-neutral circular economy. The program garnered wide interest with a total of 71 applications, from which 50 companies were selected for the pilot training. Image Wear is the only workwear company participating in the training program. You can find the list of companies selected for the training program here: https://circulardesignsuomi.kiertotaloussuomi.fi/osallistujat/
Environmental advisor Taina Nikula from the Ministry of the Environment encapsulates the program and its participants: "A group of pioneers has embarked on this journey. This is the starting point for a new way of thinking about both business operations and products, and hopefully, the program will spawn new ideas and operating models in key sectors. The program is part of the implementation of Finland's national circular economy strategic program."
In the selection process, priority was given to companies that are committed to the Circular Economy Green Deal's scenario and commitment process, either through their industry or on their own. The selected company also had to be able to allocate participants to the program from both the company's management and other key personnel. Companies were also required to reserve resources for independent development work between training modules. Additionally, companies had to commit to providing feedback and communicating their participation in the program and the results achieved at a general level. The pilot group's companies represent a wide range of industries, including both large and small businesses with various development targets.
"We did not want to exclude any industries or companies based on their size or turnover. The most important thing was to find participants with genuine motivation and the necessary resources for development work and an interest in a new type of training program that combines circular economy and design thinking," state Saija Malila and Anne Raudaskoski, who are leading the project for Design Forum Finland and Ethica Oy.
Photo: Circular Design
Not just minimizing negative impacts
The training program aims to find solutions that improve the environmental condition, not just minimize negative impacts. In circular economy design, products and services are not developed for just one end-user, but new solutions are designed for broader entities and to generate more value through multiple life cycles and users. Read more: https://circulardesignsuomi.kiertotaloussuomi.fi/2022/09/12/mita-on-circular-design/
The goal of the training program is to bring design expertise to the development of business based on the circular economy. The development work combines broad scope, customer orientation, creativity, and experimentation.
The program consists of two learning paths
The Circular Design training program consists of both a strategic level aimed at company management and practical work guiding entities aimed at those involved in product and service development work.
Photo: Circular Design
The pilot companies develop their own product or service concept or value chain solution during the year-long program. The goal is that at the end of 2023, each participating company will have steps planned for the circular economy development destination of their choice, with which to pilot and scale their concept.
Training program steps for extending the life of workwear
Image Wear has developed service concepts to extend the life of workwear and thereby reduce the carbon footprint. Through the workwear rental service, work clothes can be rented for the required period. In the Aarre service, customers' clothes are recycled from one user to another. The training program's workshops seek to gain more knowledge and understanding, as well as new ideas for recycling.
From Image Wear, Sustainability Director Kati Tukiainen, Development Manager Emma Kaappa and Designer Anu Suominen participated in the first lecture. The first lecture was eagerly awaited, and the expectations were met. "A comprehensive set of information. It made me realize again why this important work is necessary to do", Kati summarized the feelings after the first lecture day.