2nd Cycle
Project information
| Project | 2nd Cycle |
| Duration | 1.2.2026-31.1.2028 |
| Partners | LAB University of Applied Sciences HAMK University of Applied Sciences |
| Funders | Economic Development Centre of Southeastern Finland (EAKR 2021-2027) |
| Budget | 421 187 € LAB 292 822 € HAMK 128 365 € |
Second Cycle Business Models for the Textile and Apparel industry
The textile and apparel industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven in part by sustainability challenges associated with traditional linear business models and the global crises of recent years. This transformation has increased uncertainty in the business environment and forced the to adapt to the demands of the green transition, digitalization, and changing consumer behavior.
The project focuses on the customer-driven development and conceptualization of Second Cycle business models in the textile and apparel industry. Circular economy-based Second Cycle solutions are a rapidly growing business area that offers companies in the textile and apparel industry concrete opportunities to differentiate themselves, meet sustainability requirements, and reach new customers in a resource-efficient manner. The primary purpose of Second Cycle business models is to extend the lifespan of products in accordance with the principles of the circular economy. At the heart of creating sustainable value lies the idea of making more efficient use of resources and products, as well as changing consumers’ consumption habits.
The goal of the project is to support companies in the textile, fashion, and apparel sectors in Kanta-Häme and Päijät-Häme as they transition toward a circular economy and implement new business models. The project focuses on working with companies to address concrete, business-oriented issues and, through this, build an understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by Second Cycle business models. The goal is to develop Second Cycle service models and tools that can be scaled for business use, thereby strengthening the sustainable vitality of the region’s textile, fashion, and apparel sectors and their stakeholders, and enhancing the industry’s competitive advantage. In addition, the project’s measures will promote cross-sectoral stakeholder collaboration that strengthens the circular economy and the formation of service ecosystems.
Target group
Textile, fashion, and apparel companies and stakeholders in the Päijät-Häme and Kanta-Häme regions that are developing sustainable business practices. The target group consists primarily of actors whose goal is to shift toward service-oriented models and service business concepts that aim to extend product lifecycles and strengthen the circular economy.
Operating area
The project’s primary areas of operation are Kanta-Häme and Päijät-Häme.
Want to join the project?
If your company is interested in joining 2nd Cycle, please feel free to contact the project team. We would be happy to tell you more about the opportunities to participate in the project’s various work packages and activities. You can find our contact information at the bottom of the page.
Measures to be implemented in the project
A study on Second Cycle business models in the textile, fashion, and apparel industries. The study focuses on companies’ business profitability and customer experience.
The purpose of the Bootcamp is to help companies develop their Second Cycle business opportunities and ideas. During the Bootcamp, participants receive support from industry experts for brainstorming.
In the bootcamp’s networking forums, companies and stakeholders are brought together using co-creation methods. The goal is to create models of service ecosystems to develop Second Cycle business models.
The content of the information sessions will be refined as the project progresses, based on the wishes and needs of the participating companies. Preliminary topics include enhancing customer experience expertise and customer understanding, branding Second Cycle businesses in relation to customer business requirements, the importance of data in leveraging and applying understanding, and digital solutions for second cycle business models.
Bootcamp sections and preliminary schedule:
- Kick-off event in the fall of 2026
- Networking Forums in the fall of 2026
- Information Sessions/Teams Webinars (fall 2026 – spring 2027)
A pilot program in which companies test their Second Cycle concepts, evaluate their implementation in their operational activities, and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
The program aims to create tested models and concepts that companies can apply and utilize to develop their business. At the same time, the goal is to create a collaboration network through which companies can continue to develop these concepts in the future.
Updates on the 2nd Cycle will be shared through HAMK and LAB’s communication channels. In addition, the project will produce podcast episodes, articles, and a 2nd Cycle guide. The project is tentatively scheduled to conclude with a final seminar in early spring 2028.
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