Building an International Innovation Partnership for Circular Textiles between Bulgaria and Italy

Climate Engine is proud to highlight a success story that demonstrates how international cooperation can accelerate climate innovation, circular economy practices, and sustainable industrial transformation.

One of the strategic achievements of the Climate Engine project has been the establishment of an international cooperation between the Virtual Laboratory for Climate Change and Technological Innovations at the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (UCTM), Bulgaria, and ANNYA Ltd., Italy, a company operating in the Italian textile manufacturing sector.

The cooperation agreement establishes a long-term partnership focused on developing innovative solutions for textile waste management, promoting circular economy principles, and supporting the green transition of the textile industry.

This partnership represents an important first step towards creating a cross-border knowledge exchange platform that connects academia, industry, and innovation ecosystems in Bulgaria and Italy.

Climate Engine’s Contribution

The collaboration was initiated and formalized within the framework of the Climate Engine – Empowering HEIs as Engines of Climate Innovation project.

Climate Engine created the opportunity to connect the scientific expertise of the Virtual Laboratory for Climate Change and Technological Innovations with the industrial experience and international network of ANNYA Ltd. This enabled the establishment of a long-term cooperation focused on climate innovation and circular textile transformation.

The partnership aims to support the exchange of scientific knowledge and innovative ideas related to textile waste management, the transfer of good practices and technological know-how from the Italian textile sector, and the development of joint research and innovation activities.

It also creates opportunities for workshops, seminars, international events, mentoring, knowledge exchange, and future collaborative research and innovation projects.

One of the long-term ambitions of the partnership is the development of a Roadmap for the Bulgarian Textile Industry. The roadmap will identify opportunities for circular economy implementation, sustainable textile waste management, industrial symbiosis, and climate-neutral production, while integrating relevant experience and good practices from Italy.

Outcomes and Impact

This success story demonstrates how Climate Engine supports the development of international innovation partnerships with practical relevance for sustainable industry.

The main outcome is the establishment of an international cooperation agreement between UCTM and ANNYA Ltd., Italy. The agreement creates a strategic partnership linking academia, industry, and international innovation ecosystems.

The collaboration strengthens cooperation between Bulgaria and Italy in the field of sustainable textile manufacturing and initiates knowledge exchange on circular textile waste management and innovative recycling solutions.

The partnership also provides a foundation for future joint research projects, Horizon Europe proposals, and innovation initiatives. It supports the transfer of Italian experience and best practices to advance sustainable industrial development in Bulgaria.

In the longer term, the cooperation will contribute to the preparation of a Roadmap for the sustainable development and circular transformation of the Bulgarian textile industry. This roadmap is expected to support the identification of practical pathways for waste reduction, industrial symbiosis, resource efficiency, and climate-neutral production.

The achievement also increases the international visibility of the Virtual Laboratory for Climate Change and Technological Innovations as a regional hub for climate innovation, circular economy, and industry-academia collaboration.

Supporting Cooperation

The cooperation is supported by the signed Agreement of Cooperation between the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Bulgaria, and ANNYA Ltd., Italy. The agreement was signed on 13 February 2026 within the framework of the Climate Engine project.

Advancing Circular Textile Innovation

This achievement illustrates the role of Climate Engine in connecting academic knowledge with industrial practice across borders. By supporting cooperation between UCTM and ANNYA Ltd., the project has helped create a foundation for future innovation in circular textile waste management and sustainable manufacturing.

The partnership contributes to the broader transition towards greener, more resource-efficient, and climate-conscious textile industries in Bulgaria and Europe.