Wendre Hackathon
From Textile Residues to Circular Products
Welcome to unlocking the value of textile production residues!
At the Wendre Hackathon we invite you to propose solutions that convert textile and foam side streams into new circular materials, products or services. We are open to exploring new technologies, product ideas and research collaborations that help move the textile industry towards more circular manufacturing.
What is the challenge about?
Wendre Group is an international bedding manufacturer producing pillows, duvets, mattresses and textile-based furniture components for global markets. During the manufacturing process, several textile and foam side streams are generated every year that still hold untapped value.
These include upholstered furniture fabrics, such as:
Mostly white but mixed textile waste
80 tons per annum– mostly mechanically recycled internally and reused as filling material
Dark-colored and jersey fabric waste
30 tons per annum – currently no viable reuse or recycling solutions
Polyurethane foam block skins
20 tonnes per annum – currently no viable reuse or recycling solutions
Although these residues are technically suitable for filling, Wendre does not currently operate shredding equipment suitable for processing these material streams. There have been prototypes made using dark fabrics as pillow fillers, but since the darkness might show through light pillowcases, this created a psychological barrier for consumers. With polyurethane foam block skins, no solutions have yet been tested.
The challenge is to develop economically viable and scalable solutions that transform these textile and foam residues into higher-value materials, products or circular business models. The objective is not only to reduce material loss but to enable new value chains and create tangible pilot opportunities within an industrial context.
Why should you participate in the Wendre Hackathon?
Participation in the hackathon is free of charge and applying is easy (do it here). The hackathon is open to startups, SMEs, researchers, designers, material innovators and technology providers from across sectors, and cross-industry collaboration is strongly encouraged.
Teams will benefit from international mentoring and networking opportunities within the BioBoosters Network ecosystem, including access to experts and innovation partners working in circular economy and bioeconomy fields. Limited travel and accommodation support is available for selected teams attending the Hackathon Days onsite.
Depending on the maturity and potential of the proposed solutions, participants in the Wendre Hackathon may have the opportunity to initiate pilot projects, joint development activities or longer-term business cooperation with Wendre.
As a finalist, you will also have the chance to:
- Collaborate directly with an international industrial company and explore how your idea could be tested in a real production environment
- Network with experts, companies and innovators working in circular economy, materials innovation and manufacturing
- Build international connections within the BioBoosters innovation ecosystem across the Baltic Sea Region
- Validate and refine your idea through feedback from Wendre specialists, mentors and industry practitioners
- Develop the commercial potential of your solution and explore new circular business opportunities
- Gain international visibility for your team’s expertise, innovation and technological know-how.
Timeline
Have a solution?
More information
Organizer
Contact persons from the organizing team:
- Toomas Toodu, Pärnu County Development Centre, toomas@parnumaa.ee, +372 5301 2992;
- Svea Uusen, svea@parnumaa.ee, +372 505 1797
Contact persons from Wendre:
- Käthe Malmre, Quality Manager, Kathe.Malmre@wendre.com, +372 5645 1688
- Märt.Kees@wendre.com, +372 53325947 (Production/Technology)
- Elerin.Kaasik@wendre.com, +372 53421634 (Product Development)
- Mai.Ree@wendre.com, +372 53486336 (Key Account/Team Lead)
Pärnu County Development Centre steers the development of Pärnu County, develops entrepreneurship, youth entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education, and civic engagement. We are part of the nationwide network of county development centres all over Estonia. The regional Innovation Hub, which connects the various business development and educational competencies of Pärnu County and is implemented based on the triple helix innovation model, is a future-oriented development accelerator for the whole region of Western Estonia, with focus on facilitating green transition and sustainable development, including circular bioeconomy and renewable energy. We are based in Pärnu, Estonia, but connected worldwide.
In collaboration with:
BioBoosters Network creates cooperation opportunities across bioeconomy sectors to address real industry innovation needs through international, industry-driven open innovation. Operating across nine regions in seven Baltic Sea countries, the network brings together innovation hubs, universities, research institutions, development agencies, clusters and industry partners to accelerate the circular and green transition.
By matching solutions to challenges, growth opportunities to innovations, and expertise to transition needs, BioBoosters Network fast-tracks the development of new value chains and sustainable business models. The network connects cross-sectoral know-how, bridges business and research, and supports companies in strengthening their competitiveness through practical collaboration activities such as hackathons and pilot projects. Through its ecosystem-based approach, BioBoosters enables impactful solutions to move from idea to implementation across the Baltic Sea Region and beyond.
Wendre Hackathon is implemented and supported as part of the project ”Pärnu County Innovation Hub KOBAR”, from the measure “Attractive Regional Business and Living Environment”.
#bioeconomy #circulareconomy #innovations
