Studio Hilo: filling the gaps in local textile production with open source spinning technologies | Knowledge Hub | Circle Economy Foundation
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Studio Hilo: filling the gaps in local textile production with open source spinning technologies
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A Berlin-based studio for textile innovation, HILO’s mission is to create playgrounds for independent yarn production.

Problem

Currently, there are two obstacles to local production of textile products in Europe: firstly, a technology gap - there is no option between an industrial spinning machine and an electric spinning wheel where fibres still need to be drafted by hand - and secondly, most spinning of natural fibres happens outside of Europe, rendering the cost of any textile product from local fibres unviable due to shipping costs.

Solution

Studio HILO has developed several open-source prototypes for digital yarn spinning systems, which can challenge textile production in the same way 3-D printers revolutionised manufacturing.

To further rethink textile manufacturing they offer training, consultancy, R&D and build case studies through joint projects with researchers, designers and innovators. They facilitate remote workshops with open tools, co-create yarns with teams on-site and develop new textiles and technologies with partners.

Outcome

By enabling micro-productions of yarn they've opened doors for local small-scale manufacturing, which allows for a revalue of fibres currently grown in countries with no infrastructure to process them.

Studio Hilo empowers textile businesses by providing a physical laboratory, custom vocational training and open-source technologies for regional textile innovation.

Additional information

Funded by: Design Farm Berlin, WEAR Sustain, WORTH project


Image © Studio Hilo

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Studio Hilo
Studio Hilo
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Key elements of the circular economy
Impacts
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Textiles Key Elements Framework
WCTD Themes
Tags

circular fashion

circular textiles

Design Thinking

fibre innovation

open source

software automation

local value chain

product and process innovation

spinning

micro-production

small scale manufacturing

independent production

prototyping

design research

yarn