A recently completed partnership project between South East Technological University (SETU) Carlow, Carlow County Council and the local charity retail sector has put students at the heart of tackling textile sustainability and circular economy challenges in Carlow town.
The initiative involved 16 international students from the 4th Year Applied Business Solutions programme at SETU Carlow, who worked collaboratively to explore how circular economy principles can reduce textile waste and support a greener local environment. Four students, Qiuyu Xu, Xinyi Zhang, Mingyang Ma and Iryna Lomako, were selected to present their final findings to key stakeholders in the Council Chamber, highlighting both opportunities and challenges facing Carlow’s textile system.
Speaking on the project, the Climate Action Coordinator said:
“Working in partnership with the SETU Learning Team and the local charity retail sector, this project places SETU Carlow students at the centre of change, supporting them to develop the skills and confidence to understand local challenges, lead practical circular economy solutions, and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of a more sustainable textile system in Carlow.”
Whilst Senior Lecturer and Programme Director of the project Sharon Harris Byrne PhD commented:
“This project gave students a valuable opportunity to apply academic theory to real‑world environmental challenges. By working directly with Carlow County Council and local charity retailers, students were able to combine international best practice with local insight, develop strong research and presentation skills, and see how their work can contribute meaningfully to community‑based circular economy action.”
From Theory to Local Action
Guided by contemporary research on the circular economy, the students examined the transition away from a traditional linear “take–make–dispose” economic model towards more sustainable systems. Drawing on definitions from international bodies such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the project focused on waste prevention, extended product lifecycles and regeneration of natural resources, with a specific emphasis on textiles.
The academic component of the project was delivered in three parts:
Task One required students to critically explore circular economy literature and evaluate effective textile sustainability models from countries including the Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Spain and France. This comparative analysis provided insight into best‑practice approaches and their potential relevance at a local level.
Task Two focused on primary research. Students conducted surveys in Carlow town centre and on the SETU campus to better understand public perceptions of second‑hand clothing and reuse. In addition, a focus group with local second‑hand shop owners examined how the circular economy operates in Carlow, who is involved, how activities are resourced, and how both consumers and providers understand circular economy principles.
Task Three brought the learning together through a final report and presentation, evaluating the opportunities and challenges facing Carlow in addressing textile waste and promoting circular solutions.
Strong Cross‑Sector Engagement and Next Steps
The final presentations were delivered to representatives from participating charity retail shops, Pauline McDonagh of the Southern Regional Waste Office, Solene Schirrer, Project Manager of the Fabrics of Change programme from VOICE Ireland, SETU lecturers and members of Carlow County Council’s Climate Action and Environment Awareness teams.
Carlow County Council has taken the students’ recommendations on board, with a number of actions already being implemented to strengthen local circular economy activity in the textiles sector. The project directly complements and builds on the community‑based circular economy research published by Carlow County Council in March, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to evidence‑based, community‑led climate action.
The collaboration demonstrates the value of partnership between education, local authorities and the community and charity sector, while empowering students to play a meaningful role in delivering local climate solutions.
