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E-Co Challenge was a DTI Sector Challenge
initiative involving the Manchester Metropolitan
University and Cranfield University. In addition there were seven industrial
collaborators Coats Viyella Clothing, Tencel, Bhs, Courtaulds Textiles, Speedo and Kenneth A Fogg & Son Ltd. These collaborators were involved in various stages
of the textile supply chain and represented a range of company sizes.
The prime objective of this two year research project (Dec 1997-February 2000) was to greatly improve the competitiveness of the UK textiles and clothing sector enabling the move towards improved standards of quality, efficiency and environmental performance in both operations and product design. |
The project was concerned with novel approaches to the product development activity, particularly, Concurrent Product Development (CPD) and Design for the Environment (DfE) practices. Conventional approaches to product development in the textile and clothing industry have been characterised by functional independence with each participant contributing to the process sequentially. This can often result in excessive costs and rework in production associated with late stage design changes. This project has drawn upon examples of successful CPD and DfE implementation in other industry sectors, in particular electronics, and explored some of the potential benefits to the UK textile and clothing industry of adopting this approach.
Contents
Newsletter 1 (December 1998) :
CV Case Study, Workshops
Newsletter 2 (March 1999): DFE
initiatives
Newsletter 3 (Summer 1999): CV
Clothing Case, Workshop feedback, Dissemination
Designing for Profit (Year 2000 Dissemination Programme)
Links to articles of relevance to this project
Contacts (for further information)
Conferences and seminars
Conference Report (IEEE99)
Seminar Report (CDP tools in Aerospace)
Textile Institute 80th World Conference
(April 2000)
Brother TEC 2003 Conference: Technology,
Environment, Corporate
Most recent update of this page: November 2006