Combining Knowledge & Strength, Saxion and ISKO™ sign sustainable cooperation
ISKO™ and Saxion University of Applied Sciences have signed an agreement to officially endorse their mutual relationship. Both parties are active in the textile sector and invest a lot of time and research into the possibilities of textiles and their processes. Combining these two areas of expertise will open up new doors to significant, large-scale production.
Textiles are used in health care, sports, and workwear, where technology plays a crucial role. For both parties, the so-called "smart textiles" are an integration of sustainable clothing design, fashion, communication, and sensor technology.
In addition to its material and technical expertise, Saxion has bundled a large knowledge and business network in consortia. ISKO™ will join this as the largest (denim) producer.
As well as its production strength, ISKO™has a large R&D center, an international innovation hub, and a large number of textile patents. With its global presence and leading brands in its customer base, ISKO™ is an important link to bringing technology to the market.
“The cooperation with Saxion fits into ISKO's strategy of boosting the international innovation ecosystem. Working with frontrunners will accelerate the adoption of new technology”, according to Edgar van der Linden, senior manager of Innovation Center.
Raimond Bartelink, director of the academy of creative technology, adds, "We are strong in application-oriented research based on an existing demand in society, where creativity, technology, and application lead to innovative solutions. Saxion needs companies like ISKO™ for this. They ensure that developments are scaled up, refined and commercialized".
About ISKO
ISKO is part of SANKO TEKSTIL, the textile division of the SANKO Group. As the premium denim brand behind people’s favorite jeans, it has a strong global presence in 35 countries with 60 international locations. By virtue of its Responsible Innovation™ approach, founded on creativity, competence and citizenship, ISKO works to make the world a better place, bringing awareness to environmental as well as social aspects. Committed to an approach of continuous improvement, ISKO relies on external stakeholder engagement, striving for third-party certifications and partnerships. This has led to many achievements, including bluesign® Partnership, STeP by OEKO-TEX®, Textile Exchange, SAC, ZDHC, EU Ecolabel, and Green Deal Circular Denim. More information, contact Keith O'Brien.
About Saxion
The research group Sustainable and Functional Textiles develops innovative textile concepts and prototypes in cooperation with companies, researchers, and students. The focus is on complex social issues, in which smart and functional textile materials contribute to solutions. With a research line focused on functional sustainable textiles, the research group recognizes itself in the strategic areas on which ISKO wants to focus in the coming years. The cooperation includes the use and exchange of (lab) facilities, materials, and prototypes. By joining forces, textile research, networking, and internationalization can lead to new insights and new collaborations.