WISER - Weaving circular innovation and promoting natural fibres
The Alpine region is rich in natural fibres (wool, hemp, flax, silk, and others), many of which nevertheless remain underutilised. WISER promotes the development of circular and sustainable value chains for natural fibres across the Alpine region.
The project identifies existing natural fibre ecosystems, assesses their needs, gaps and development opportunities, and connects producers, craftspeople, small and medium-sized enterprises, designers and researchers. In doing so, it promotes circularity in value chains and strengthens the sustainable development of local communities. Building on local heritage and innovation, WISER develops pilot products and solutions that can be replicated and applied in other contexts.
Through practical training and knowledge transfer, the project aims to enable young people and other regional stakeholders to develop circular production models, from the local sourcing of natural fibres to products that can be repaired and recycled. By bringing together innovation and tradition, the project raises awareness and develops the knowledge and skills needed for future professions based on sustainability and cultural identity.
Project will develop:
- Alpine natural fibre ecosystem mapping for innovation paths and economic potentials.
- Natural Fibres Pathways: Transnational pilot action implementing circular natural fibre product development pathways for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other local stakeholders.
- Natural Fibres Scheme: Assessed and consolidated circular natural fibre-based product development scheme for Alpine SMEs and territorial actors.
- Influence Wise: Capitalisation, communication and engagement tools supporting uptake of circular natural fibre practices.
In cooperation with 11 partners from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland, the project reconnects fragmented natural fibre value chains. It promotes the responsible use of local resources and opens up new opportunities for businesses and local communities, while also contributing to the preservation of knowledge and the creation of opportunities for future generations.
Project duration: 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2029
Partners:
- Polo Poschiavo (Lead Partner) – Switzerland
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg – Germany
- Bellissimo S.r.l. – Italy
- CIPRA International Lab – Austria
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – Switzerland
- ANCI Liguria – Italy
- CENTRO CONSORZI – Italy
- NATUVALIS – Germany
- Association for Training Rural People in Tourism Activities – France
- TITERA Technical Innovative Technologies – Slovenia
- Institute for Sustainable Development – Slovenia
Total project budget: EUR 2,809,650.00
Interreg funding: EUR 1,872,616.51
Partner's budget: EUR 182,075.00
Partner's ERDF co-financing: EUR 136,556.25
Partner's own contribution: EUR 45,518.75
The WISER project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Alpine Space Programme.
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