Foxa actively looks for new applications for its T-quality fabrics. Students of sustainable development at various Universities of Applied Sciences joined forces with Foxa to come up with new product ideas and business concepts in the 'Second Life of T-Quality Fabrics' project. As a corporate partner of the course, Foxa Oy provided sample fabrics for which the students brainstormed new uses in pairs and small groups.
HAMK students Janina Ojanen and Saana Siivonen chose the popular Foxshell Fleece M, a waterproof and windproof fabric typically used in different kinds of workwear. Janina and Saana used reflective colour printing to create new patterns on fluorescent orange and yellow fabrics. When dressed in their stylish outdoor jacket, there is no need for a separate reflective vest. In addition to the outdoor jacket, Janina and Saana designed a thermal wheelchair bag out of a warm and weatherproof fabric.
Aino Seppälä, Jonna Starck and Tanja Pirnes came up with an e-commerce platform for Foxa's T-quality fabrics. Their Kangaskontti webshop was straightforward, easy to use - and smart as a fox in appearance. Webshops are convenient way to reach a larger audience.
Foxa's Action Mistral Camo Print Green, originally designed for the Estonian Army's rainwear, found new lif in the form of children's toys and accessories. Venla Varjus and Noora Kauhala wanted to inspire children to build forts and came up with a combination of a tarpaulin, a teepee and lightweight fabric building blocks. Being waterproof yet breathable, extremely durable yet pleasantly lighweight, Action Mistral is ideal for action-packed outdoor play in the any type of weather. Venla's and Noora's concept products stand out in the market, not only due to the positive recycling aspect but also the fact that they encourage children to move, especially in the outdoors.
Foxa's 'Second Life of T-Quality Fabrics' project was part of a joint program in circular economics at Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) and Savonia and Metropolia Universities of Applied Sciences. The program uses design and circular economics to address the global challenges of sustainable development. In addition to developing new product ideas and business concepts, the students modelled the various lifecycle phases of Foxa's technical fabrics. The students also pondered ways in which various stakeholders could extend the lifecycle of materials in the spirit of a circular economy. For example, fabrics and the products made from them could have comprehensive material information and recycling guidelines to make it easier to identify and reuse textiles in the recycling phase. Students also saw new business opportunities in the repair of broken products.
Foxa would like to thank the educational institutions and the course teachers and students for their fruitful cooperation. We're taking your ideas and developing them further!