Alice Bah Kunhke, who represents the Green Party in the European Parliament, has a significant interest in the textile and fashion industry. With upcoming changes in EU legislation regarding textile waste and sorting, new sustainability requirements will be placed on both the Swedish and international fashion industry.

During the visit, she was briefed on research and collaboration projects in the textile field at the University of Borås, as well as a guided tour of the Smart Textiles Showroom, the DO-tank Center and the laboratories of the Swedish School of Textiles.

“It’s such a unique environment you have here, I hardly think you understand how unique it is yourselves,” remarked Alice Bah Kuhnke during the tour.

Lots of potential in one place

Mats Tinnsten, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Borås, presented about the university, and Susanne Nejderås, Textile Strategist at Science Park Borås, spoke about the national government role Textile & Fashion 2030. Anna Lidström, a researcher focusing on redesign at the Swedish School of Textiles, and Clemens Thornquist, Professor of Fashion Design, also participated.

In the DO-tank Center, Erik Bresky, Director of Science Park Borås, presented the university's innovation and collaboration work, after which Innovation Technician Mathias Bräck showed the prototype of an automated remake machine built up by help with AI within the project Microfactories. The morning ended with a guided tour of the laboratories of the Swedish School of Textiles where Junchun Yu, Associate Professor in Textile Material Technology, demonstrated innovations in digital inkjet printing for dyeing and functionalisation of textiles.

“There is so much potential gathered in one place here,” said Alice Bah Kuhnke, who also supported the university’s vision of obtaining full university status in order to increase funding for textile frontier research.

“Places like the University of Borås are needed in order to bring about a transformation of the textile industry, where people can be brave and try new solutions. You all must remain brave – for who else will dare to be brave?”

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The Swedish School of Textiles and Science Park Borås are part of the University of Borås. Are you interested in research, education, and innovation in textiles and fashion? Read more the Swedish School of Textiles and Science Park Borås.