A partnership for circular design
A multi-sector partnership among the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), Shell Pilipinas Corporation, and SoFA Design Institute is advancing circular-design education by combining textile science, industry expertise, and design education to promote sustainable, innovative reuse of textiles.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 14 September 2026 in Taguig City, strengthening the institutions' shared commitment to equip young Filipino designers with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate sustainability and circularity into fashion and interior design.
The collaboration builds on Shell's Balik-Likha initiative, featuring a design advocacy program under its Likas-Kaya campaign that challenges young designers to transform used clothing into functional fashion and interior design products. The initiative also encourages participants to respond to themes such as disaster preparedness, mental health, and Filipino values through creative design.
Photo of representatives from DOST-PTRI, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, and SoFA Design Institute during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on 14 September 2026 in Taguig City.
Why it matters
The partnership comes amid growing textile production and waste worldwide. DOST-PTRI Director, Dr. Julius L. Leano, Jr. underscored that global textile production increased from about 58 million tons in 2000 to approximately 109 million tons in 2020 and is projected to reach 145 million tons by 2030 during the National Textile Convention. The continued growth of textile production also contributes to increasing textile waste and its associated environmental impacts.
Against this backdrop, the partnership aims to bring circularity and sustainability closer to the next generation of designers by connecting classroom learning with actual textile technologies, research, and industry applications.
Link to SusTELAbility and TexRev
The initiative aligns with DOST-PTRI's efforts to advance textile circularity and sustainability through SusTELAbility, a flagship program that promotes circular economy principles, reduces the environmental footprint of textiles, and encourages the use of environmentally conscious local materials.
One of its key initiatives is Textile Revitalized (TexRev), which utilizes textile waste-to-yarn recycling technologies to convert post-industrial textile waste into sustainable spun yarn that can be used to create new textile products.
What each partner will do
Through the partnership, DOST-PTRI will provide technical expertise, training, and access to textile research and innovations. SoFA Design Institute will support the participation and development of fashion and interior design students, while Shell Pilipinas will support program activities, learning sessions, and immersion opportunities that connect design concepts with practical applications.
The collaboration also brings textile science and innovation closer to students and young Filipino designers through DOST-PTRI's Textile Academy, which serves as a platform for developing textile science knowledge, competencies, and learning processes among students, stakeholders, and partner sectors. Textile Academy fosters knowledge transfer in textile technical expertise through training, skills certification, and continuing professional development. Its programs cover handloom weaving, textile fiber extraction, dyeing, textile testing, and Textile 101, offering micro-credentials that enable participants to build skills and earn certifications.
By exposing students to textile technologies and circular-design practices, the partnership seeks to equip future designers with practical knowledge that can help them develop solutions to environmental challenges while incorporating Filipino artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural identity into their work.
More than promoting sustainability and circularity, the collaboration emphasizes the importance of preparing the next generation to participate in a changing design and textile landscape. Innovation, responsible material use, and environmental considerations are increasingly becoming part of the design process.
By bringing together textile science, design education, and industry experience, DOST-PTRI, Shell Pilipinas, and SoFA Design Institute aim to foster a generation of Filipino designers who can turn sustainability principles into creative, practical, and locally relevant solutions for a more circular future.
Second photo of representatives from DOST-PTRI, Shell Pilipinas, and SoFA Design Institute at the MOU signing event with We Live Design backdrop.