Borås: Driving Transformation Through Sustainable and Innovative Textiles
The textile sector is at the heart of economic, social, and environmental transformation across Europe. In this interview, Borås’ municipal representatives share their perspective on how textiles drive innovation, foster sustainability, and strengthen regional and transnational cooperation. From circular economy initiatives to digitalisation and skills development, Borås highlights practical strategies and successes that can inspire other textile cities across Europe.
I am committed to working collectively with all member regions to reinforce ACTE’s visibility, impact, and strategic value, ensuring that we not only preserve our textile heritage but also innovate for a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable future.
From your political perspective, what role does the textile sector play in the economic and social transformation of your region?
The textile sector plays a pivotal role in the economic and social transformation of our region. It is both a legacy industry and a future driver of innovation. Economically, the textile and fashion cluster contribute to growth, competitiveness, and international visibility through high-value jobs, research collaboration, and new business models rooted in sustainability and circular economy.
Socially, the sector connects tradition with innovation, offering opportunities for skills development, integration into the labour market, and inclusive participation in shaping our future. For Borås and the surrounding region, textiles are not only an industry – they are a platform for transformation where creativity, technology, and sustainability intersect to build a greener and more cohesive society.
How do you assess the importance of transnational cooperation between textile cities and regions in Europe? And what do you expect from this cooperation?
Transnational cooperation between textile cities and regions in Europe is not just important – it is necessary. No single city or region can solve the structural challenges of the textile sector alone. Issues like the pressure of fast fashion and the transition to circular and climate-neutral production demand joint strategies across Europe. We expect partnerships to generate tangible results – new jobs, sustainable innovations, and stronger export opportunities.
What textile sustainability initiatives is your municipality currently promoting?
Borås actively promotes sustainability across the textile sector. We support circular economy initiatives, sustainable material research, and climate-smart production methods through partnerships with local industry, the University of Borås, Science Park Borås, and the Nordic Textile Academy. We also encourage innovation in recycling, upcycling, and resource-efficient processes, while facilitating knowledge exchange and pilot projects that demonstrate practical solutions.
What opportunities does digitalization open up for local textile companies, and how can they be supported through public policies?
Digitalization opens significant opportunities for local textile companies. Smart manufacturing, data-driven design, and automated processes can increase efficiency, reduce waste, and accelerate innovation. Public policies can support this transformation by funding research and development, facilitating skills training, and promoting collaboration between industry, academia, and innovation hubs. For Borås, we strengthen testbeds and innovations hubs, develop education programs for digital skills and much more. The goal is to secure competitiveness while ensuring equal opportunities for both small and large businesses.
Could you share any specific examples of success or good practices in your municipality that might inspire other members of the network?
Borås has many specific examples of how our municipality inspires others. The Science Park Borås is a hub for innovation in sustainable textiles. We also have the Textile Fashion Centre where businesses, research and education come together. We have projects that have gained international attention in textile collection and circular economy.
If you think about the future of the European textile sector, what would you like it to be like in ten years?
In ten years, I would like the European textile sector to be fully sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive. We envision a sector that is globally competitive but firmly based on European values. Circular production, climate-smart materials, and digitalization should be the norm, not the exception. Where digitalization ensures transparency and where young people choose textile careers because they offer both creativity and security. For Borås, we hope to continue leading this transformation, creating high-quality jobs, fostering skills, and demonstrating how industry and sustainability can go hand in hand.