Projects

In support of the industry Foundation CirQleer implements and coordinates various projects. Decisions on projects to be implemented will be initiated by the Network CirQl.

Corporate relevance

Initiatives that require building new consortia; or when research questions need answering before business cases can be implemented; projects which need both imagination and realism; content for education, schooling and improvement of information; and anything that could be considered a first experiment or pilot. 

Contact lidi@cirqleer.eu if you have a refreshing idea or suggestion or have interest in participating in an existing project.

Started projects

Project 1. LCA index for leather and alternatives

To be able to objectively measure the impact of the production of leather and replacements, Foundation CirQleer asked NIBE to carry out LCA’s on leathers with various tanning methods and mycelium alternatives. It will result in a general LCA standard with an understanding how various aspects in production will influence the score and why.

  • Partners: NIBE, LABEL van den Berg, Filling Pieces, ADUU MAL, TLC Leather, Trumpler, Lucad Leder, Vitelco
  • Governmental organizations: RVO The Netherlands
  • Coordinated by: Tirza Brems, Matthea van Staden

Project 2 Standard for leather with organic origine

EKO Keurmerk developed a standard for ECO leathers based on best practices. A pilot audit will be implemented on TLC – leathers and the standard will be reviewed based on the outcome of the LCA analysis and new insided on the reuse of leather waste.

  • Partners: René Heuschen, Control Union, TLC leather, Filling Pieces, Vitelco
  • Governmental organizations: RVO The Netherlands
  • Coordinated by: Tirza Brems, Matthea van Staden

Project 3 Mini tannery vs research lab and education center

Based on the outcome of a feasibility study progress is being made to structure a lay-out and plan for renovation to install a small scale production and training facilities at the Old Tannery from Heuvelpark in Dongen. The approach in production and in education, research and training is being structured with EU partners and regional institutes.

  • Partners: Lucad Leder, Heuvelpark, TLC leathers, IMInnovations, Stichting Boei!, Het Schoenenkwartier, ERAC
  • Governmental organizations: MidPoint Brabant
  • Coordinated by: Lidi Schilders, Irene van den Assum, Joris van Riel (MidPoint Brabant)

Project 4 Processing waste cuttings, leathers

The aim is to organize a consortium for processing waste leathers (cuttings, left over stock, and used returns). The project determines how to select the waste (based on tanning and provenance), type of technology required and possibilities for new products to develop. together

  • Partners: Label van den Berg, The Bin, WINK Leder, Secrid, Van Bommel, Buffel Lederwaren, HVEG, TLC Leather, Gereon
    Whale, Stronk en Ropelli
  • Governmental organizations: RVO The Netherlands
  • Coordinated by: Lidi Schilders, Martijn ten Cate

Project 5 Maintenance products and guide for leather and alternatives

The life span of products depends on how it’s produced and on how it’s been used. With this Project Foundation CirQleer gives consumers a better understanding of the products they purchase and how to take care of them. A selected range of products will be offered on the CirQleer website.

  • Partners: Lucad Leder, Heuvelpark, TLC leathers, IMInnovations, Stichting Boei!, Het Schoenenkwartier
  • Governmental organizations: MidPoint Brabant
  • Coordinated by: Lidi Schilders