The Mi(ne)stery of Matter

Textile waste is a global issue, with Europeans discarding 15kg of garments annually. New EU rules restrict textile disposal, increasing waste in the Global South. Fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu fuel overconsumption, while only 1% of textiles are recycled into new products. In Denmark, households consume 75,000 tons of textiles annually—35% above the world average. About 60% of textile waste could be reused or recycled, but public awareness remains low, and centralized recycling systems require large waste volumes.

"The My(ne)stery of Matter“ offers a solution with a mobile lab that brings textile recycling to communities. Equipped with open-source machines, it allows people to collect, sort, and transform textile waste into products like bioplastic sheets, insulation, ropes, and yarn. The lab fosters sustainable innovation and hands-on learning.
The flying lab supports place-making in line with Felipe Schmidt Fonseca's "generous cities" concept, promoting inclusivity, collaboration, and creativity. Communities can rethink waste, co-create solutions, and transform neighborhoods. The project empowers individuals to engage with sustainability and experience the power of creation. Our team includes experts in textile engineering, product design, and open-source technology, helping communities reimagine waste as a resource and contribute to a circular society.