WISER

People — Oct 23, 2026

The Alps have a rich heritage of using and processing local natural fibres, such as wool, hemp, flax and silk. Yet much of this potential remains untapped today: regional processing infrastructure has largely disappeared, traditional knowledge is being lost, and much of the value creation takes place outside the Alpine region. At the same time, the textile industry is seeing growing demand for sustainable and circular alternatives.

The Interreg Alpine Space project WISER brings together local resources, expertise and people to promote a circular and sustainable textile economy in the Alpine region. Together, the eleven project partners are developing new approaches to increase the use of regional natural fibres, reconnect value chains, and strengthen cooperation across agriculture, crafts, businesses, research and education.

To unlock this potential, WISER analyses existing natural fibre value chains, identifies opportunities for development, and tests innovative solutions in selected pilot regions. The focus is on resource-efficient production methods, regional processing, and circular product concepts. At the same time, the project fosters the exchange of knowledge and experience, blending traditional craftsmanship with emerging technologies and sustainable innovation. Ultimately, WISER aims to strengthen regional natural fibre value chains and make better use of local resources, knowledge and skills. In doing so, WISER supports the transition toward a circular, resource-efficient and sustainable economy across the Alpine region.

Project partners:

          Polo Poschiavo; Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen–Nuremberg;  Bellissimo S.r.l.;  Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts; ANCI Liguria; Centro Consorzi; NATUVALIS GmbH; Association for Training Rural People in Tourism Activities; TITERA Technical Innovative Technologies; Institute for Sustainable Development.

Countries:

Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Austria, France, Slovenia  

Objectives:

  •           Strengthen local and circular natural fibre value chains across the Alpine region.
  •           Promote resource-efficient, circular and biodiversity-aware production and consumption practices.
  •           Connect people, build skills, and foster knowledge exchange across generations and between rural and urban areas.

Activities:

  •           Analyse existing natural fibre value chains in the Alpine region and identify their development potential.
  •           Develop new approaches to innovation for circular natural fibre value chains.
  •           Develop and test circular natural fibre solutions in selected pilot regions.
  •           Promote knowledge exchange and support the transfer of successful approaches to other regions.
  •           Raise awareness and build capacity among diverse target groups in sustainable and circular economic practices.

Target groups:

  •           Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the textile and agricultural sectors.
  •           Stakeholders from crafts, design, education and research.
  •           Local and regional communities across Alpine region.
  •           Consumers of textile products.
  •           Education and training institutions.

Duration:

September 2026 to August 2029

Project languages:

English and Alpine languages 

Funding amount:

Total budget: €2,809,650.02

Interreg funding: €1,872,616.51 

Funding:

The project is part of the Interreg Alpine Space Programme. The Interreg Alpine Space Programme co-finances and supports cooperation projects across the borders of the Alpine countries.

Further information:  

WISER - Alpine Space Programme