Ecodesign or ecological design is the incorporation of environmental criteria in the phases of: Design, production, distribution, use, recycling, and final treatment of any product. The goal is to prevent or reduce the environmental impact throughout its life cycle.

This approach involves considering various stages of the product life cycle. For example: Material selection, manufacturing process, product use, waste management, and its recycling or disposal. Ecodesign can help minimize the use of natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, it contributes to reducing waste production and promoting sustainable practices in the industry.

Ecodesign is beneficial for the environment. It can also have economic advantages, such as reducing costs associated with the use of resources and waste. Simultaneously, it enhances the brand's image through sustainable business practices. In summary, ecodesign is a comprehensive strategy that aims to harmonize production and consumption by limiting the use of natural resources and environmental impacts.

As an example, producing one ton of textile generates 25 tons of CO2, while in plastic production, the ratio is 1 to 3, and in paper production, it's 1 to 0.9" (Data from the Textile Research and Industrial Cooperation Institute of Terrassa, INTEXTER (UPC)).

It is worth noting that on January 1, 2025, a directive will come into effect requiring the entire EU to collect the textile fraction of urban waste.

In summary, in the coming years, we will see textile containers on the streets, and an industry transformation is expected comparable to the one caused by globalization. New environmental responsibilities will be incorporated, affecting both B2B and B2C channels.

UNI4ME, through the circular economy, aims to help schools and the entire community understand and consume textiles differently. Therefore, we advocate for local manufacturing and act in a socially responsible manner.

So, we handle the clothing that is no longer in use in the following ways: On one hand, garments in good condition enter a second-hand circuit, allowing other families to benefit from these still-useful pieces. On the other hand, clothing that can no longer be reused is transformed into new practical and creative items for the educational community (upcycling). Finally, any material that cannot be recycled or converted into new items undergoes an industrial transformation process to become thread again. This thread is then used to create new fabric, contributing to closing the production cycle. This way, we reduce the demand for natural resources in the manufacturing process. We achieve the desired circularity in this manner.

The challenge, therefore, is to continue working to become a 100% sustainable and non-polluting company. To make this possible, eco-design is essential, along with accelerating the transition to a circular economy.