Weaving Bioregional Material Networks – Circular Valorisation of Alpine Sheep Wool for a Regenerative Economy

Abstract ID: 3.17751 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Carolin Schelkle (1)

(1) Technical University of Munich / TUM School of Engineering and Design / Professorship of Architecture and Design, Arcisstraße 21, 80333 München, Deutschland

Categories: Agriculture
Keywords: No keywords defined

Categories: Agriculture
Keywords: No keywords defined

Abstract

In Europe, sheep are primarily bred for meat, dairy production, or landscape maintenance rather than fibre production, resulting in large quantities of raw wool being underutilized or discarded. Due to this, European wool often fails to meet textile industry standards, leading to significant amounts being abandoned in storage, illegally burned, or buried. This practice-based dissertation explores how bioregional production networks can transform European sheep wool into a valuable resource through localized, circular valorisation strategies. Focusing on three to four selected bioregions, the study establishes collaborative production networks among local stakeholders. A systematic analysis of each bioregion is conducted to map existing resource flows and actor constellations, identifying new opportunities for wool processing and integration into regional economies. By leveraging local resources and expertise, these networks develop context-sensitive applications for wool as a secondary product, tailored to the material properties, ecosystem dynamics, and specific needs of each bioregion. The research outcomes include prototypes of wool-based applications that demonstrate how underutilized materials can be reintegrated into regenerative production systems. These artifacts serve as tangible representations of the established production network and their role in fostering sustainable, regionally embedded material cycles. A key contribution of this dissertation is the development of a structured methodological framework for regionally embedded, sustainable wool utilization. Designed for transferability across diverse European bioregions, the framework considers the distinct ecological, economic, and social configurations of each region. When implemented in different areas, the results will vary, as each bioregion, along with its ecosystem and stakeholders, is unique. By bridging material research, local resource valorisation, and collaborative production, this study demonstrates how abandoned or undervalued materials can be reintegrated into sustainable, circular economies. It contributes to the growing discourse on regenerative economies by presenting a scalable model for wool valorisation that strengthens local networks, reduces waste, and fosters environmentally and socially responsible production practices.

Choose the session you want to submit an abstract. Please be assured that similar sessions will either be scheduled consecutively or merged once the abstract submission phase is completed.

Select your preferred presentation mode
Please visit the session format page to get a detailed view on the presentation timings
The final decision on oral/poster is made by the (Co-)Conveners and will be communicated via your My#IMC dashboard

Please add here your abstract meeting the following requirements:
NO REFERNCES/KEYWORDS/ACKNOWEDGEMENTS IN AN ABSTRACT!
Limits: min 100 words, max 350 words or 2500 characters incl. tabs
Criteria: use only UTF-8 HTML character set, no equations/special characters/coding
Copy/Paste from an external editor is possible but check/reformat your text before submitting (e.g. bullet points, returns, aso)

Add here affiliations (max. 30) for you and your co-author(s). Use the row number to assign the affiliation to you and your co-author(s).
When you hover over the row number you are able to change the order of the affiliation list.

1
1

Add here co-author(s) (max. 30) to your abstract. Please assign the affiliation(s) of each co-author in the "Assigned Aff. No" by using the corresponding numbers from the "Affiliation List" (e.g.: 1,2,...)
When you hover over the row number you are able to change the order of the co-author list.

1
1
1
Close