READY status conference

The READY project, which has run over the past three years, marks its achievements at a final conference that also looks ahead to new goals. Companies, researchers, and designers will share concrete experiences with materials, design methods, and commercial opportunities.

Join us and gain insight into how the industry is working to scale circular solutions – from idea to implementation.

What you will gain

• Insight into concrete experiences with circular textiles
• Inspiration from leading companies and experts
• Knowledge about implementation and scaling

Time, Location, and Programme

Time: 19 May 2026, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM19. maj 2026 – kl. 9.30 – 16.00
Location: VIA University College, Birk Centerpark 5, 7400 Herning, bygning A (auditorium A)

Programme
9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Coffee, light breakfast, and networking

10:00 – 10:20 a.m.
Welcome, background, and purpose of the READY project
with Lars Haahr Jepsen, projektdirektør, ph.d., Teknologisk Institut (moderator throughout the day) and Poul-Erik Jørgensen, Research, Development & Innovation Manager,
Center for Applied Research in Textiles, Design and Circularity, VIA University College

10:20 – 10:55 a.m.
Dialogue with innovators:
Chemical fibres and the value of collaboration, and natural fibres – accelerating testing

With:

• Julie Brender Trads, forretningsleder, ph.d., Teknologisk Institut
• Lea Nordström, Material Innovation Lab Manager, Kvadrat A/S
• Anders Schorling Overgård, Materials Research Lead, Bestseller
• Poul-Erik Jørgensen, VIA University College

10:55 – 11:20 a.m.
Material-driven design – implementation in practice

With:

• Dea Marcela Tuns, Innovation Project Specialist, Bestseller
• Kirsti Reitan Andersen, adjunkt, Det Kongelige Akademi
• Anne Louise Bang, docent, Center for Applied Research in Textiles, Design and Circularity, VIA University College

11:20 – 11:45 a.m.
Business models and roadmaps

With:

• Lykke Margot Ricard, sektionsleder og lektor, SDU – Innovation and Design Engineering
• Kirsti Reitan Andersen, adjunkt, Det Kongelige Akademi

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Summary, audience dialogue, and information about showcases and guided tour at VIA

12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch, showcases/demonstrations, and guided tour

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
Keynote
Robert van de Kerkhof, ReHubs (online)

2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
Panel debate – Steering Committee
From innovation to implementation – how do we scale circular textiles?

Participants:

• Pernille Storgaard Møller, Circular Innovation & Strategy Manager, Bestseller
• Helle Nybo Holmberg, CEO, Nybo Workwear
• Betina Simonsen, CEO, Lifestyle and Design Cluster
• Else Skjold, lektor, ph.d., Det Kongelige Akademi
• Anders Bisgaard, Head of Research, Development and Innovation,
  Center for Applied Research in Textiles, Design and Circularity, VIA University College
• Moderator:
  Frank Engelbrecht, Lifestyle and Design Cluster

3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Closing remarks and networking

With:

• Lars Haahr Jepsen, Teknologisk Institut
• Poul-Erik Jørgensen, VIA University College

3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Networking, bubbles, and refreshments