The role of self-evaluation in advancing textile sustainability and social responsibility

As part of the platform being developed by this project, T&C industry users will be able to evaluate their own level of textile sustainability and social responsibility and receive feedback and assistance to improve their business and, at the same time, the sustainability and circularity of their city and beyond.

Project partners have completed the design, adaptation, and validation of a series of questionnaires and methodologies for SMEs that will be integrated into the FABRIX platform. These integrate insights from the FABRIX Conceptual Model alongside industry best practices gathered through interviews, co-creation events, and benchmarking studies. In this development process we have sought to bridge knowledge gaps in existing sustainability tools and metrics by adapting well-established frameworks and academic indicators—such as circular economy metrics and social innovation measures—into a user-friendly tool for businesses and stakeholders.

The methodology behind the questionnaire combines academic rigor with practical industry needs. Through benchmarking, in-depth analysis, and iterative feedback from pilot programs and co-creation events, FABRIX partners have ensured that the tool aligns with both theoretical principles and real-world applications. Those interested in reading the entire deliverable can find D2.3 on the EU Documentation page of this website.

During the development of what was initially termed a "self-assessment tool," particular attention was given to ensuring that the instrument would not be perceived as judgmental or prescriptive. The main goal of the self-evaluation is to offer a point of comparison, allowing users to assess their practices alongside those of their peers and identify opportunities for improvement. Additionally, the act of completing the questionnaire can encourage reflection within the organization. It may help uncover efforts in areas like sustainability or social responsibility that had gone unnoticed or reveal aspects that are missing from the current strategy—prompting new ideas and actions to strengthen the organization’s approach.

By equipping businesses with actionable insights, the questionnaires aim to empower companies, guide policy development, and drive systemic change toward a more sustainable and regenerative textile ecosystem. We look forward to welcoming you on the FABRIX platform soon so you can try the questionnaires for yourself!