Can the Maritimes be part of the fight against the environmentally destructive fast fashion industry?
We're about to find out! Dr. Edith Callaghan and Prof. Ashley Doyle (School of Business), together with 14 researchers from five universities across Atlantic Canada, will be tackling the issue through a newly awarded $3,282,100 four-year grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative (NSERC-SARI).
In the Flax Fibre to Fabric project, researchers across disciplines ranging from agriculture, to business, to fashion design, are working with eight industry partners to explore the possibility of a sustainable fashion industry here in Atlantic Canada.
The project aims to have a substantial impact on community, strengthening rural economies and every part of the local, sustainable textile supply chain.
When announcing the grant, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said the project "underscore[s] the vital role that innovation and research play in shaping the future of agriculture in Canada. By embracing cutting-edge research and sustainable practices, we are not only safeguarding our environment but also strengthening our economy and ensuring that Canadian farmers are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow."
On its face, the project is focused on the fibre-to-fabric process, but there's much more work that goes into determining if such an industry would be viable here in Atlantic Canada. That's where Dr. Callaghan and Prof. Doyle come in.
As professors at Acadia's School of Business, their responsibilities lay in determining the economic viability of a long-line linen circular economy in Nova Scotia, developing case studies, and testing collaborative sustainable business models in the region.
Acadia students will also have the chance to get involved. Dr. Callaghan and Prof. Doyle will be hiring both undergraduate and graduate students as research assistants to assist in the risk control matrix mapping and the financial viability assessment, alternative business model mapping, and consumer engagement. These students will also assist in writing cases to be used in a regional competition as part of the annual Accounting Leadership Session held at Acadia.
The project will also include collaboration with eight industry partners. Callaghan and Doyle say that "this work will explore possibilities for collaborative, sustainable business
models to provide the framework for this intentional industry development," and that they "are deeply appreciative of the partners who have agreed to work with us." They acknowledge that "working in a collaborative multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder setting can be complex, but it is also really fun."
Flax Fibre to Fabric will engage with every step of the supply chain, from farm to fashion. On the consumer end, Callaghan and Doyle say they will "also will work to enhance consumers' appreciation for local quality products."
"Ideally, this research will result in the rejuvenation of our flax fibre industry in Nova Scotia. Working with stakeholders, we hope to create enthusiasm for local fashion and other flax products, creating new opportunity for farmers, designers, and artisans. This project will amplify the reputation of Nova Scotia and the Maritimes as a region known for quality design and craftmanship that supports local sustainable industry."
