On April 8–9, 2025, the Kick-Off Meeting (KOM) of the ReMODE Project – Unlocking Circular Fashion Design Excellence – was successfully held in Bursa, Turkey. The ReMODE Project is a four-year initiative funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, aimed at advancing sustainability, ethical practices, and digital innovation within the fashion and textile industries.
Day 1 – Project Introduction and Collaboration
The first day of the meeting took place at İTÜ Evi, an ideal venue perfectly suited for conferences and professional gatherings. Life Learning Development e.V. (LLD) participated as a partner organization, joining a consortium of 16 partners from Turkey, Greece, Italy, Germany, and Finland. The project represents a significant milestone as Turkey’s first and only Erasmus+ Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in the fashion and textile sector.
The agenda for the day included:
- Detailed presentations on the project’s management structure, work packages, and quality assurance measures;
- Defining roles and responsibilities across the consortium;
- Establishing coordination mechanisms and collaboration strategies to ensure effective project delivery.
Partners also had the opportunity to introduce their organizations, exchange ideas, and discuss project aspects face-to-face, strengthening the spirit of cooperation.
During coffee breaks and lunch, participants enjoyed traditional Turkish coffee, pastries, and local dishes. The day concluded with a common dinner, where participants shared a traditional Turkish meal in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Day 2 – Institutional Visit and Textile Industry Tour
The second day began with a visit to Bursa Uludağ University. Participants learned about the university’s programs and achievements in the fields of education and innovation. The consortium was honored to meet the Rector of Bursa Uludağ University, emphasizing the strong institutional commitment to the project’s objectives. Each participant was awarded a certificate recognizing their contribution to the KOM.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited Elyaf Tekstil, a leading textile manufacturer producing high-quality fabrics for renowned global brands such as Marks & Spencer, Zara, H&M, Marc O’Polo, Mango, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Just Cavalli, Max&Co., Armani, and Moschino.. The visit offered valuable insights into sustainable production practices, including:
- The development of antibacterial fabrics;
- The application of an innovative dyeing method that uses microorganisms instead of chemical dyes, resulting in a bio-color production process with a low carbon footprint, reduced energy consumption, and significantly decreased wastewater pollution;
- The use of plant waste to create naturally colored fabrics;
- The integration of AI-generated designs into textile production.
Participants toured the extensive factory and observed various stages of textile manufacturing firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of sustainable innovations in the industry.
The Kick-Off Meeting successfully established a strong foundation for the ReMODE Project. Life Learning Development e.V. is honored to contribute to this ambitious initiative, working alongside a diverse consortium to drive innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the fashion and textile industries across Europe.