Current European Research Activities

During FP6 and the early part of FP7 significant research efforts and related European collaborative projects have been undertaken in the field of Consumer Goods Research.

In FP6 two flagship Integrated Projects in the textile and clothing and the footwear sectors have been carried out:

  • LEAPFROG “Leadership for European Apparel Production from Research along Original Guidelines”
  • CEC-MADE-SHOE, “Custom, Environment and Comfort Made Shoe”

leading not only to significant scientific-technological results but also energizing and better connecting the respective European research and industry communities.

Within the 7th Framework Programme – NMP theme, up to date two topics more generically addressed the consumer goods area, namely:

  • NMP-2007-3.1-2 New added-value user-centred products and product services

  • NMP-2008-4.0-7 Integration of new technologies and materials for differentiated consumer-centred product capability

 These two calls resulted in a diverse portfolio of research projects covering several strategic research and innovation priorities across a range of consumer goods sectors, including:

  •  SERVIVE "Service oriented intelligent value adding network for clothing-SMEs embarking in mass-customisation" (Project N°: TP-214455) focusing on the development of mass customisation business to business solutions for the fashion industry.

  • OPEN GARMENTS "Consumer Open Innovation and Open Manufacturing Interaction for Individual Garments" (Project N°: TP-213461) focusing on the development of web-based business to consumer solutions facilitating mass customised clothing.

  • FIT4U " Framework of Integrated Technologies for User Centred Products" (Project N° CP-TP 229336-2) aims to develop a new engineering framework for both products & processes integrating new design and production technologies, new functional high-tech micro devices and new materials in the sectors of footwear and sporting goods. Pilot applications are planned on shoes and gloves for professional use.

  • SSHOES "Special Shoe Movement" (Project N° CP-TP 229261-2) addresses the development and demonstration of new sustainable production capabilities for diabetic feet and fashion high added value consumer-centred product concepts, such as footwear and insoles

  • ENVIRO-TEX-DESIGN (Project N° TP 213903) development of a collaborative virtual design and prototyping platform for textile and leather products in full compliance with specified environmental, health and safety requirements.

  • MADE4U "Business Models for User Centred Products" (Project N°: TP-212002) addressing the development of personalised spectacles with Progressive Addition lenses (PALs) whose geometry has to be fully adapted to a person’s visual map.

  • A-FOOTPRINT "Ankle and Foot Orthotic Personalisation via Rapid Manufacturing" (Project N° CP-TP 228893-2 ) aims to develop novel ankle and foot orthoses for common disabling conditions which are cost-effective, high-speed to market, and personalised for form (geometry for fit, comfort and pleasing aesthetics) and function (biomechanics to prevent, treat and restore optimal function).

  • NANOBOND " Integration of emerging soft nanotechnology into the functionalisation of textiles" (Project N° CP-TP 228490-2) aims to develop a sustainable surface activation technology based on the self-assembly power of a “soft nano-technology” for the development of versatile, highly functional textile products adapted to the needs of consumers. Pilot applications will be implemented on shoes, pillows, patient gowns, bed protectors as well as in the medical care sector.

Further projects relating to:

  • the forest-based sector including FP7 projects FORBIOPLAST, FLEXPAKRENEW, BIOSTRUCT, WOODY, SUSTAINCOMP, SUNPAP & HORTIOBIOPACK as well as ERA-NET projects: wood composites, PAPRIQUA, SOTIPA, BIOPACK and FUNFIREBIC, and

  • the manufacturing technology sector such as NetChallenge or DIGITEX

are in the process of being analysed for their relevance for the consumer goods sector.