Hack the Thread: Transform Waste into Worth!

It connects cities, regions, and organizations to enable sustainable urban development through digital fabrication, innovation, and circular economies. By leveraging local resources and talent, the network supports the transformation of cities into self-sufficient hubs.

In 2023, Oulu joined the global Fab City network as the first Finnish and major Nordic city. The network aims to achieve more sustainable and innovative entrepreneurship, develop a circular economy, provide lifelong learning opportunities for all citizen groups, and create a carbon-neutral future. FabLabs serve as a cornerstone in the FabCity initiative by providing widespread access to digital fabrication tools.

They are equipped with an array of flexible computer-controlled tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. These labs enable individuals to create and prototype almost anything, promoting learning and innovation. Originating from MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms, Fab Labs have grown into a global network. They foster creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning across diverse communities.

Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and tools, it provides resources for prototyping, digital manufacturing, and design. The lab fosters a collaborative environment where individuals can experiment, invent, and develop new ideas. It offers workshops, training sessions, and access to expert guidance.

BusinessAsema Fab Lab focuses on providing unemployed individuals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to experiment with digital manufacturing, learn new skills, and produce prototypes. The use of the Fab Lab is free of charge, including some of the materials!

It offers high-tech equipment and tools for prototyping and innovation. The lab supports both professionals and enthusiasts in fields like robotics, electronics, and 3D printing. With a collaborative environment, it encourages creative projects and startups. It also hosts workshops and events to foster learning and community engagement.

Super Fab Lab Oulu is mainly available to the University of Oulu community, including teachers, researchers, students, and other staff, but they also have open-access times for visitors and customers from outside the university community.  The lab collaborates closely with various companies and local schools.

Kiertokaari Ltd. is an enterprise owned mainly by the city of Oulu and partly by seven other municipalities. Operation consists of waste management services to 290 000 people. Kiertokaari supports circular economy in all actions and values good customer service, high recycling rate and green transition. Kiertokaari is one of the project partners in Interreg NPA funded project THREADs which promotes sustainable textile waste management by tackling challenges and harnessing opportunities. The project focuses on textile reuse, recycling, redesign and lifecycle extension through innovative strategies. Circular practices and circular business models are in the project’s interests.

End-of-life textile collection started 2022 and material is collected from consumers and sorted in Oulu. The yearly amount of these textiles is over 200 tons. Some of the clothes or fabrics are sold in recycling center Likke and mainly cellulose based material is recycled as a fiber. Kiertokaari’s aim is to rise textile material use locally and find new solutions for the material. Some textiles are incinerated due to their unwanted value or quality in mechanical fiber recycling. For this hackathon, Kiertokaari has offered materials and is very keen to see new ideas and solutions.

FabPatch™ is a solution developed by Finnish mothers over several years. It is an innovative solution that addresses the need for sustainable, versatile, and cost-effective fabric repair and customization. Its wide range of applications and benefits makes it a valuable addition to the textile and garment industry. As sustainability becomes increasingly important, products like the Fabpatch are paving the way for a more eco-friendly and creative future in fashion and textile technology.