According to the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, EU consumption of textiles has, on average, the fourth highest impact on the environment and climate change, and the third highest impact on water and land use, taking into account the global life cycle of products. Around 5.8 million tonnes of textiles are discarded every year in the EU, approximately 11 kg per person. There is an urgent need to find new, innovative ways to recycle and repair textiles. 

The FabPatch product aims to combat textile waste and overproduction by prolonging the life cycle of clothes and other textiles through mending. FabPatch is an innovative and exemplary product that promotes the circular economy. With the help of the FabPatch product, consumers can be part of the solution in reducing the environmental footprint of their consumption and promoting the circular economy. 

The FabPatch offers an easy, sustainable repair solution promoting modern repairing culture and making mending accessible to all - even those who do not know how to sew or cannot use a needle and thread. 

The company aimed to use the start-up funding to develop a novel FabPatch repair product and bring it to the market. The purpose is to offer consumers an easy and accessible way to extend the life of their textiles and make environmentally friendly choices, promoting the circular economy. 

FabPatch Ltd aims to increase sustainable, domestic production and employment in the textile sector in Finland. The purpose of the FabPatch product is to reduce textile overproduction, waste and overconsumption. 

Through its operations, the company also aims to promote the goals of the EU Green Deal and circular economy strategy. 

The Kuudestaan Local Action Group (LAG) supported the company with start-up funding, which enabled it to begin product testing, production, marketing, sales and networking. The funding made it possible to establish the company, create a product, build a production chain and create a network of subcontractors with the necessary contracts. The company used comprehensive accounting services to support its rapid growth and internationalisation efforts. It also tested the suitability of technical solutions in industrial-scale production. During the different testing phases, the characteristics and possibilities of fabric treatment agents, types and textures were tested. The production process development aimed to ensure fluidity and quality (uniformity) in subcontractor cooperation and minimise waste in the production phases. The test batch materials were also tested with consumers. 

FabPatch Ltd also used the start-up funding to create a marketing plan and a recognisable product and company brand. In addition, the funding enabled an online store to be built so that the product could be sold everywhere in the domestic and international market. As a result of this development, the FabPatch Vaatelaastari product was launched on the market and the company online store was established in 2019. In the same year, the company negotiated a contract with its first retailer. 

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of FabPatch were delayed. Luckily, the company had invested in the online store instead of a shop, which helped it to cope with the challenging times. The product is designed and manufactured in Finland. It was awarded the Key Flag Symbol and the Design From Finland mark by the Association for Finnish Work in 2019. After launching the product, the company aimed to network and develop through collaborating with various textile and clothing industry organisations and educational institutions in areas such as product development and marketing. 

The FabPatch product attracted and keeps attracting interest and has received many accolades. The company has grown and employed new staff. The Finnish future fund Sitra listed FabPatch as one of the most interesting Finnish companies in the circular economy in 2021. The product has been acknowledged in the industry and has received awards such as the Finland Chamber of Commerce’s Sustainability Act of the Year 2022, Design from Finland’s Design Deed of the Year 2022 and a 2022 award in the fashion circular economy. 

The project funding was used to establish a new company and create a finished product, production chain, brand and online store. The FabPatch product developed by the company is an entirely novel product in the textile and fashion industry thanks to its adhesive technique and washability. The company created six new permanent jobs locally. The company also employs creative sector subcontractors such as a graphic designer, designers, photographers, animators and production workers. FabPatch Ltd’s turnover rose from zero to 579 000 EUR between April 2019 and December 2022. 

The company has sold around 1 000 000 FabPatches, which can be and have been used to repair clothing, shoes, furniture and other textiles, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact. 

The product engages consumers in the circular economy ecosystem, making them producer-consumers, which has been shown to increase their appreciation of utility products and extend product life. 

The company has developed joint, customised collections and product partnerships with several companies such as Ateneum Art Museum, POW, Wahlsten, Kaiko, Ruskovilla and Joutsen.  

The Finnish Textile & Fashion’s influence group comprises dozens of textile and clothing companies, including industry leaders, with which FabPatch Ltd has networked to promote sustainability and the circular economy.  

Entrepreneurship is based on life-long learning and self-development. Business based on the creative industries, intangible rights and the circular economy is not tied to a place, age, social class or gender and also has a good chance of success in the countryside. 

Support from the wider industry has been significant. The textile industry is progressing in sustainability and the circular economy, and networking with the industry association has been important for gaining knowledge. 

It is easy to get from an idea to business if one clarifies one’s plans in a strategy and follows them. Target-led steps and sustainable operations create a sound basis for profitable business. Networks and partnerships are good in supporting and guiding a new business. No large initial investment is necessary, but this type of funding enables extensive and impressive results with little risk.   

It is rewarding to develop a consumer product based on an everyday need and fulfil sustainability goals both ideologically and in practice.