Known as ‘The Facility’, the shared space aims to improve working efficiency by supplying trained technicians and design equipment for all users.

Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland – which is backing the new hub alongside textiles company Kalopsia – said: “This is a great example of how sharing space and equipment can help to reduce our environmental impact and save us money.  

“With car and house sharing services and even tool libraries now available, we’re realising the benefits of sharing and lending, so it’s great to see Kalopsia making a ‘seamless transition’ to this new business opportunity to help make the textile and design industry more sustainable.

“Zero Waste Scotland is on hand to help businesses take advantage of these opportunities and helping turn the idea of a circular economy into reality.”

New industry standard

The Facility is being officially opened today (7 August) at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal shopping centre in the wake of the Scottish Government-backed #MakeThingsLast campaign, which highlights ways business and the public can reduce waste.

Adam Robertson, managing director of Kalopsia, added: “We are so excited to see The Facility come to life and we hope that the circular economy business models developed here will become the new standard for the textiles industry across Scotland and UK.

“With The Facility we hope to build a community of textiles related businesses and individuals who can come together to strengthen our industry and promote the benefits of the circular economy.”

Sustainable design in the textiles industry has been a point of focus in 2015 for Zero Waste Scotland, after the organisation partnered with the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival to promote the importance of longer lasting clothes instead of ‘fast-fashion’.

Brad Allen

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe