Innovation is the engine that drives progress and enables us to meet the challenges of the present and the future. It is a continuous process of discovery, experimentation and improvement that involves all aspects of our lives, from work to society.

Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale firmly believes in its importance: a tool to create value and generate a positive impact. This is why it constantly invests in Research and Development with a dedicated division, also in order to offer increasingly cutting-edge products and services capable of meeting customers’ evolving needs.

This year, in collaboration with Chimica Verde Bionet and Federcanapa, it is supporting the Premio Innovazione Economia Circolare nel Tessile (Circular Economy Innovation Award in Textiles), a national competition dedicated to the best master’s and doctoral theses that propose innovative solutions to promote the circular economy in the textile sector.

‘Textiles, and in particular fast fashion, is among the sectors with the highest environmental impact,’ says Sofia Mannelli, president of Chimica Verde. ‘One of the main challenges is the dispersion of microplastics and the need for sustainable resource management.’

As of January 2025, the European Waste Framework Directive will require separate collection, sorting and recycling of the various fibres and materials in textile products. 

‘The looming problem throughout Europe is how to sort, recycle, regenerate and reuse these materials. Reuse also needs traceability to avoid green washing, and for this we need extended producer responsibility,’ says Beppe Croce, president of Federcanapa.

Until 31 August 2024 it will be possible to send your work to info@chimicaverde.it on:

– Ecodesign strategies to improve efficiency in the processing, use and recycling of textile materials.

– Innovation in the production and processing of bio-based fibres.

– Advanced textile technologies, including processes for mixed materials.

– Business models for reparability and reuse of textiles.

– Natural resource management and traceability along the supply chain.

The most promising proposals will be awarded in November  2024 during Ecomondo, the trade fair in Rimini dedicated to the ecological transition. The winners will receive a cash prize and will have the opportunity to see their ideas promoted nationwide, thus contributing to a positive and concrete impact on the sector.

‘Our company firmly believes in the potential of the new generations and the need to support scientific and technological research for a greener and more sustainable future,’ emphasises Linificio CEO Pierluigi Fusco Girard.

The competition is supported by prestigious bodies in the textile sector, including Centrocot, Sistema Moda Italia, Green Evolution in Prato, Tecnotessile and Orienta.

Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale is excited to see the innovative proposals that will emerge from this competition and to contribute to positive change in the textile industry by being part of the growth and success of talented young people.

For more information on the competition and how to enter, visit www.chimicaverde.it or contact info@chimicaverde.it / federcanapa@gmail.com.