Central Baltic Stories Episode 7: Baltic2Hand – Giving Textiles a Second Life

In the latest episode of the Central Baltic Stories podcast, we explore the Baltic2Hand project, which tackled one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges: the growing amount of textile waste. Running officially until the end of March 2026, the project has brought together partners from across the Central Baltic region to develop new solutions for textile reuse and sustainable business models.

In the episode, host Anne speaks with project manager Salla Kuuluvainen from Laurea University of Applied Sciences and project manager Johanna Liipola from Turku University of Applied Sciences, who share insights into the project’s goals, activities and impact.

Supporting businesses to reduce textile waste

The main goal of Baltic2Hand has been to help companies develop new services, concepts and products that reduce textile waste and increase the use of second-hand textiles.

“The main purpose of the project was to help companies develop new solutions and business models to address the growing amount of textile waste,” explains Kuuluvainen. “We also wanted to encourage consumers to extend the lifetime of their clothes: by repairing them, reusing them or choosing second-hand products.”

The project combines expertise from several countries. While Finland has strong systems for collecting textile waste, Sweden contributes expertise in design and fashion, and Estonia and Latvia bring valuable knowledge of repair culture. At the same time, the project identified differences in consumer attitudes across the region. While second-hand clothing is widely accepted in Finland, some negative perceptions still exist in other countries, such as associations with poverty or concerns about cleanliness.

Co-creation at the heart of the project

A key feature of the Baltic2Hand project has been co-creation, bringing together companies, consumers, students and experts to develop new ideas.

The project followed a design approach known as the double diamond model, starting with research to better understand challenges and opportunities related to textile reuse. From there, partners organised open workshops and innovation events where companies and participants could generate new ideas together. These ideas were then refined through prototyping with companies that wanted to further develop new solutions for their business.

“Co-creation is also about shared learning,” says Liipola. “We are dealing with challenges where the solutions are not yet known, so learning together over time is extremely important.”

From ideas to real-life pilots

The project resulted in several concrete pilot initiatives that were tested in practice. These ranged from digital solutions that track the lifecycle of textiles to new services focused on repair, refurbishment and reuse. One example involved a leather and shoe restoration concept that has since developed into a new business studio in Helsinki.

Another creative pilot emerged from an unexpected source: a Latvian company developed a cat bed made from reused textiles, inspired by the observation that cats were drawn to the material used in one of their original products.

“It was a fun example of how reused textiles can find completely new user groups,” Kuuluvainen says.

Engaging companies, students and consumers

A wide range of participants were involved in the project, including companies of different sizes, from large brands to micro-enterprises. Students also played an important role by supporting innovation processes, conducting research and contributing new ideas.

“We are very proud of the work our students did in the project,” says Kuuluvainen. “They learned a lot, but they also provided valuable support for the companies developing new solutions.”

A shift in mindset

Beyond concrete pilots, the project has also contributed to broader discussions around circular economy and sustainable consumption. Liipola notes that many people still live in a “bubble” where repairing or buying second-hand clothes feels natural, while in reality these practices are not yet mainstream everywhere.

“How do we make the idea of using clothes for as long as possible part of everyday life?” she asks. “That’s one of the big questions we need to address.”

The project has also explored new ways to encourage consumers towards more circular behaviour, for example through better information, services that make repair easier, and new retail concepts for second-hand products.

Looking ahead

As the Baltic2Hand project concludes, its partners hope the results will continue to support the development of circular textile solutions in the region. The tools, collaboration models and design approaches developed in the project can be applied in future initiatives, helping businesses, policymakers and consumers work together to reduce textile waste. And perhaps most importantly, the project has highlighted the need for new kinds of professionals and “circular economy heroes” who will drive the transition forward.

🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify (recorded in Finnish) and learn more about the Baltic2Hand project and its results at Central Baltic | Baltic2Hand and baltic2hand.eu.

The Central Baltic Stories podcast explores cross-border cooperation, innovation, and community-building in the Central Baltic region. Hosted by Anne Jylhä, the national Contact Point in Finland, each episode features inspiring stories, interviews, and insights from project partners, experts, and change-makers.

Would you like to share your or your project’s story in the podcast? Please contact Anne at anne.jylha@uudenmaanliitto.fi. Episodes are recorded in Finnish and English.