TEXFOR is a partner of STAND Up! Initiative for the development of networks and strategic alliances based on the sustainable textile sector and to support the creation of circular economy startups in the Mediterranean, a project funded by the EU within the framework of the ENI CBC Med program.
The STAND Up! project It addresses the need for companies in the textile sector to transition towards an environmentally and socially responsible circular model, a key traditional industry in the Mediterranean with an undoubted cross-border character. The project aims to support entrepreneurs and start-ups to be eco-innovative in the 5 participating countries and help them take advantage of business opportunities and promote the example that green evolution will inevitably generate in the Mediterranean basin. The goal of STAND Up! It is ambitious and so is its scope. The project provides for training actions, aid for companies and entrepreneurs, market stimulation, technology transfer, protection of intellectual property rights, etc. As a result, SMEs in the sector will be more competitive and, overall, the value chain will be strengthened and new cross-border links will be established.
The STAND Up! project aims to promote startups based on the circular economy, encouraging their scalability and replicability in the Mediterranean and fostering an ecosystem of business support, innovation and technology transfer that will lead to the creation of sustainable employment for young people and women.
STAND UP! It is designed to strengthen companies with sustainable production criteria and promote the creation of new companies. This will generate a natural demand for new highly qualified jobs. Specifically, 400 entrepreneurs in the ideation/definition stage will be supported to help them create future employment opportunities.
Stimulating innovation and uniting the sector will minimize the negative environmental impact throughout the life cycle of textile products and facilitate the transition of the Mediterranean basin towards sustainable consumption and production in the textile and clothing industry. Overall, the project will mark a significant change in each region's ability to harness the power of eco-innovation and entrepreneurship in the textile (Italy and Spain) and clothing (Lebanon, Tunisia and Egypt) sectors.
Total budget: 3.693.986,68 euros
EU contribution: 3.324.588,68 euros (90% of the total budget)
Main source of funding: European Union (ENI CBC Med program)
Activity period 30 months (July 2020 – December 2022)
We have put together in a catalogue, the best start-up proposals submitted to the WeMed Award 2022. The awards ceremony took place last November in Barcelona and was organized by MedWaves and Texfor. Leaf through it and discover the most brilliant proposals.
The objective of the 2022 edition was:
1. Recognize success stories of start-ups with sustainable business models within the green and circular economy in the textile, fashion and clothing sector in the Mediterranean region, led by women (without age limit) and/or young people (up to 35 years).
2. Inspire other startups/entrepreneurs in the textile, fashion and clothing sector in the Mediterranean region to integrate environmental and social innovations into their business models.
