Transnational Workshop on “Water Footprint in Textiles” Held in the Netherlands
From October 25 to 27, 2023, the partners of the REWAFT project—“Helping the Textile Industry Reduce Its Water Footprint” gathered in Enschede, the Netherlands, for a dynamic transnational workshop titled “Water Footprint in Textiles.” Hosted by the Water Footprint Network (WFN) at the Horst Complex on the University of Twente campus, the event brought together project partners and members of the industry resource groups.
The primary objective of the workshop was to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to organize and deliver a series of seminars focused on the water footprint in the textile sector, targeted at students.
Highlights of the Workshop
The three-day program began on Wednesday, October 25, with a warm welcome by WFN, followed by a demonstration of a model for measuring and managing water footprints in the textiles sector. A dedicated session introduced the co-designed seminar series, during which participants were trained on delivering the first two seminars. The day concluded with a networking dinner.
Thursday, October 26, featured a field visit to the Circular Textiles Lab (CTL) in the city center of Enschede, where participants interacted with CTL members, explored potential collaborations, and toured the lab’s facilities. The afternoon was devoted to advancing participants’ understanding of the remaining three seminars in the series, with a focus on interactive and practical teaching methods.
The workshop concluded on Friday, October 27, with a campus tour, including visits to experimental water treatment facilities. Participants then delved into brainstorming strategies to enhance the appeal of the seminars through interactive workshops and activities. The event concluded with a session on effective promotion and student engagement strategies, facilitated by IDEC, and a closing wrap-up with the awarding of certificates.
Building Capacity for a Sustainable Textile Industry
The workshop provided a platform for capacity-building among project partners and industry stakeholders. It emphasized practical approaches for reducing the water footprint in the textile industry and fostering sustainable practices through education.
