Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Vividye (Vividye Removable Print Evaluation)
Período documentado: 2022-06-01 hasta 2023-01-31
At Vividye, we are developing removable textile prints. We enable extended reuse and recycling of textile, by not limiting the lifetime of the garment by a dated logo or design. A printed garment can have multiple functions: statement pieces or information baring clothes to signal style or a way to create a sensation of belonging. Our technology, a tweaked screen printing process, is designed to work in existing infrastructure so that it can easily be scaled when the technology and the market is ready. The boundaries are already stated when developing a print, but when removing a print there is no prior art. Thus, the Women TechEU project focused on the further development and evaluation of the removal part of our innovation, considering business models and IP strategy all while integrating sustainability as an important parameter. By closely linking financial profitability with sustainable methods and good control of intellectual property, it is possible for our innovation to be a true game changer and an important puzzle piece to create textile circularity.
The development of the business model has been done in close collaboration with textile customers as well as with printing companies and other stakeholders. One way to formulate a profitable market segment is to differentiate market segments and to adapt our product to their different needs. The project has also made it possible to formulate an IP-strategy, which imposed many new boundaries to the removal process. As the IP-strategy crystallized, the need to keep the removal process close to Vividye became increasingly important. A patent was filed to further protect the innovation. In regards to sustainability assimilation, the path proved to be more difficult than expected. It has become clear that value chain transparency is key in order to know how our innovation affects the life of a garment.
By removing prints in a scalable, profitable and sustainable way, we can facilitate the reuse of branded and printed garments thus prolonging the lifetime of textiles. In the long run, this helps end fast fashion and will reduce the need for virgin fibres. Within the frame of this project, we have presented business model suggestions for the removal of the Vividye prints. Still, customer collaborations and further iterations are required to improve and validate the business model. Further funding initiatives that support high risk innovations are needed to support us while construction and collaborating with the infrastructure needed for this to happen.