FABRIX Methodology
What is the FABRIX Methodology?
FABRIX seeks to transform the textile & clothing (T&C) production and consumption from a globalized, linear model to a sustainable, circular, and regenerative approach that prioritizes local manufacturing and resilience within urban environments. FABRIX, supported by the EU’s Horizon Europe Programme, envisions a future where cities like Rotterdam and Athens become hubs for eco-friendly textiles, blending tradition with innovation. With the publication of our deliverables on the project’s theoretical, conceptual and methodological frameworks (which you can download from the page EU documentation), we thought it helpful to provide the “short version” here on our website.
A dual framework for transformation
FABRIX is built on two main concepts: the “space of networks” and the “network of spaces.” The project analyzes both the physical locations (spaces) where T&C manufacturing happens and the complex web of relationships (networks) between various actors, including businesses, government agencies, and community groups
Through this approach, FABRIX aims to create an integrated, city-based ecosystem for textile production that is rooted in local value chains, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility. By building interconnected and symbiotic relationships within cities, the project hopes to bring T&C production closer to urban centers, fostering jobs, innovation, and sustainable practices.
A platform to empower local stakeholders
Central to FABRIX’s mission is the development of a digital platform of tools designed to connect various actors involved in the T&C ecosystem and urban planning. This will provide businesses, public authorities, and other stakeholders with tools to manage and enhance circular production practices. By offering insights into labour, economics, material flows, energy consumption, and logistics, the platform will facilitate better decision-making, enabling companies and governments to implement sustainable practices effectively.
One of the primary goals here is to identify and empower “facilitators”—entities that may not be large players but are essential in connecting different parts of the ecosystem. These facilitators can be companies, NGOs, or government agencies that help link businesses with resources, foster innovation, and create collaborative networks. FABRIX aims to make these critical but often overlooked actors more visible, helping them play a stronger role in the transformation of urban manufacturing.
A participatory approach
FABRIX’s methodology emphasizes co-creation with local stakeholders, ensuring that the solutions developed are practical and sustainable. By engaging local businesses, policymakers, and communities through workshops, financial support, and pilot projects, the project builds a grassroots foundation for lasting change. In Athens and Rotterdam, FABRIX is conducting interviews and workshops to understand the unique needs and challenges of each city's T&C ecosystem. This approach ensures that the project’s outcomes are tailored to specific urban environments, making them more effective and scalable.
Circularity and regeneration: beyond recycling
While recycling is a critical component of FABRIX’s vision, the project goes beyond this to promote a fully regenerative approach. This includes designing products for durability, repair, and reuse, while also focusing on responsible resource management. FABRIX envisions a system where waste becomes a resource and products are designed with their entire lifecycle in mind, from production to eventual disposal or reintegration into the production cycle.
The project’s regenerative goals extend to social sustainability as well, ensuring fair labor practices, equitable access to resources, and a positive impact on local communities. By bringing together diverse stakeholders in an inclusive ecosystem, FABRIX aims to build a T&C sector that is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially responsible.
Pilot Cities and scaling beyond: Rotterdam and Athens
Rotterdam and Athens in Athens serve as pilot cities for FABRIX. These cities were chosen due to their unique combination of urban challenges, industrial heritage, and potential for innovation in circular practices (read the relevant pages on our website for full details). In these cities we will test and implement our digital platform, which is intended to be a replicable model.
Indeed, The project aims to create a blueprint for other cities and sectors, showcasing how localized, circular, and regenerative manufacturing can transform urban economies. Through ongoing research, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with EU institutions, FABRIX plans to extend its methodologies to sectors beyond textiles, contributing to a broader shift towards sustainable urban manufacturing across Europe.