We organise our actions in six thematic & strategic agendas:
Strategic Agendas:
Bio-economy
Circular Construction
Chemicals/Plastics
Manufacturing Industry
Food Chain
Water Cycles
Seven leverages provide additional support:
Leverage effects:
Lever Policy Instruments
Lever Circular Procurement
Lever Communication
Lever Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Lever Financing
Lever Jobs & Skills
Lever Research
What, why and how?
Why are we pursuing a circular economy?
Future visions 2050
How do we see our circular future?
About our management
Who steers what at Flanders Circular?
Ida & Volta makes clothes from 100% natural and biodegradable, recycled or upcycled materials. Wherever possible, they choose domestically sourced fabrics such as linen and wool, and they also do most of the manufacturing themselves here in Belgium. When fabrics outside Europe are occasionally chosen (in terms of origin, but processed in Europe), they are sourced from a specific supplier who scores very highly on all the principles Ida & Volta stands for.
When the company produces a garment from scratch, it is always plastic-free. This means that no stretch yarn, polyester, nylon, plastic buttons or non-wovens are ever used. Why? Plastic is made from petroleum, a raw material that is non-renewable. During the production process, this also releases toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals and the environment. On top of this, garments containing plastic release microplastics with every wash and end up in the water. As no way has yet been found to filter them out of the water, Ida & Volta wants to avoid them as much as possible.
To facilitate the recycling process later, the garments are always made from one type of textile. By using a mono material, the garments do not have to be taken apart piece by piece later on. It is also why they chose to use cotton yarn instead of polyester. Because polyester is not biodegradable either, which again makes it more difficult to recycle.
Not only was thought given to the outside of the garments, the inside is at least as important. Usually, plastic and glue are used here to preserve the beautiful shape of a garment. Here, Ida & Volta chose to work with natural cloths that are not only biodegradable, but keep your favourite garment in shape for longer.