Circular economy and solving real problems of a small Estonian textile company were the contents a Nordplus programme week in Tallin and Tarto, Estonia on 7 – 12 April 2024.
The intensive week is a part of CHARLO – Change Agents for Regional and Local Organisations project implemented by EkoTechNord consortium. The intensive course brought together 40 student participants from nine universities in seven countries, among which Finland and Haaga-Helia.
TTK University of Applied Sciences, Tallin, was the organiser and their circularity experts gave us insights into the development and present stage of sustainability and circularity.
Students, experts, lecturers, professors, and business companies discussed, learned, and looked for solutions to sustainability topics during the week. The students deepened their insights of circularity and learned to plan implementing circularity with help of design thinking and Circulab Canvases. They set to first analyse the commissioner company, Disaintekstiiil OU, and its brand moomoo.
Secondly, they developed the circularity and sustainability aspects of the commissioner’s operations. Disaintesktiil OU designs and manufactures sports clothes for cyclists and skiers and mostly tailoring national sports teams’ outfits. In the end of the week, the students presented their solutions to various processes from material journey to sustainable communication.
The week was successful for the learners, commissioner, and lecturers. All involved gained valuable insights to benefit future careers and studies. This was an excellent opportunity to gain experience and at the same time help the local community develop. The consortium has applied for funding for a similar intensive programme next year, and we hope to be able to offer a similar opportunity on the Åland Islands.
