TECHTERA and partners (Polo Poschiavo, Bellissimo S.r.l, emlyon business school)
21-10-2025
Lyon (France)
The AlpTextyles Final Event in Lyon 2025 — “Following the thread: Perspectives on circularity, heritage & tourism in Alpine textiles” — marks the culmination of a three-year effort dedicated to safeguarding and revitalizing the rich textile heritage of the Alpine region across six countries. Organized within the Interreg Alpine Space Programme and realized under the patronage of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, it brings together heritage custodians, textile artisans, SMEs, researchers, cultural organizations, and tourism stakeholders. The 12 partner organizations from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland collaborate to develop solutions that address climate change and optimize the use of local resources. The goal is to develop activities to preserve the Alpine heritage, contributing to the re-territorialization of the local textile value chains disrupted by global sourcing and offshore production while boosting natural local resources and projecting an attractive image of Alpine products.
At the heart of AlpTextyles is the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage linked to textiles: knowledge of working with sheep’s wool, hemp, and linen; natural dyeing practices; weaving skills; and the intergenerational transmission of artisanal expertise. These practices form a cultural thread that has shaped Alpine landscapes, communities, and economies for centuries. Today, they face growing challenges from globalization, the decline of local production chains, and environmental pressures, but constitute the foundation for rebuilding circularity and sustainability across the industry while promoting greener lifestyles.
AlpTextyles responds by fostering cross-border collaborations and pilot projects that reconnect traditional Alpine textile practices with innovation. These pilots explore ways to create new fabrics, apply natural dyes, and scale production models that remain faithful to cultural roots while ensuring ecological sustainability and fair working conditions. By bridging craftsmanship and contemporary design, the project demonstrates how intangible heritage can contribute to sustainable development.
Organized just a few days after the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrated on 17 October 2025, the Lyon event provides a platform for dialogue, exchange, and networking and also supports the global celebration. More than a closing conference, the Lyon event serves as a bridge between past and future, tradition and innovation. It celebrates the creativity of Alpine communities, raises awareness of textile heritage, and promotes sustainable models that can inspire other regions. In doing so, AlpTextyles contributes to the safeguarding and transmission of intangible cultural heritage, reinforcing its role as a living, evolving resource for cultural identity, ecological transition, and economic resilience.
Programme
Opening remarks by the General Director of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region.
Presentation of AlpTextyles’ main project results.
Two thematic roundtables
- Local production, Alpine fibers, and natural dyeing: exploring pathways from artisan-scale to industrial-scale production while maintaining cultural integrity and environmental responsibility.
- Craftsmanship/industry and tourism: investigating partnerships that link heritage transmission with cultural tourism and regional development.
The AlpTextyles Living Exhibition
It will showcase tangible results from the pilots, including fabrics, garments, and everyday objects produced with Alpine fibers and natural dyes, as well as digital resources such as a dedicated Metaverse, a MOOC, and three digitized collections of traditional wear from Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. Visitors will also access practical resources, including Safeguarding Toolkits for heritage communities and an Orientation Guide for SMEs, supporting the continued practice and transmission of traditional knowledge.
Central to the exhibition are the videos that document the pilot actions carried out, the research work, and events & activations. They are all available on the AlpTextyles’ YouTube channel.
Text as provided by the organiser(s).
