Day one – good practices and new connections

The programme began with visits to small companies and entrepreneurs in the town of Škofja Loka, who successfully develop their businesses based on circular solutions and environmental sustainability:

• Odeja – a leading manufacturer of high-quality textile products with a tradition dating back to 1932;

• J.I.M. Hats – an art studio for handmade hats, including traditional designs;

• KreativNice Hub – a creative space for design, art, and training in the textile sector.

Following the tour, a project partners’ meeting took place, accompanied by a matchmaking event that brought together stakeholders and companies from Slovenia, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. Participants exchanged experience, ideas, and opportunities for future collaboration.

Day two – participation in Circular Hotspot Ljubljana

On the second day, RAPIV and the TEX-DAN partners joined the international conference Circular Hotspot Ljubljana, organized by the Slovenian Ministries of Environment, Economy, and Tourism, in cooperation with the Centre for Circular Economy.

The conference focused on European policies and best practices in waste management, including textile waste. During the roundtable discussion “Textile Waste Management”, participants addressed key challenges such as the collection of textile waste, the lack of systematic approaches in many EU countries, and the global trend of overconsumption of low-quality textiles.

Bulgarian participation

A special highlight of the programme was the participation of the Bulgarian company Kris Fashion Industries Co., a finalist in the TEX-DAN pilot initiative, which took part in the matchmaking session and explored opportunities for new international partnerships.