Learning Stream: MOON

MOON is a strategic transformation program for the European textile and fibre industry.

It was created in response to a clear reality: after 250 years of history, the industry is at a turning point. Rising energy and raw material costs, global competition, new requirements from the European Green Deal and the SDGs, and a growing skills shortage are putting many companies under pressure. Extensive analysis for MOON showed that there is no single “disruptive” technology that will solve these challenges. What is needed is a structured, realistic transformation path that connects ecological, economic and social goals – and is grounded in real markets and real companies.

Based on a broad literature review, 107 expert interviews, international research and funding analyses and interdisciplinary workshops, MOON maps where the textile value chain stands today and where it must move to remain competitive and responsible. From this, MOON defines a clear orientation framework around avoid & reduce, recycle & reuse, repair & repurpose and identifies four key transformation arenas:

• Globalization 2.0: intelligently networked regional and global value chains
• Digitalization: data-driven processes and business models
• Decarbonization & circularity: CO₂-efficient, circular material and value flows
• Industrialization 6.0: combining economic performance with environmental and social responsibility

Instead of focusing on regulation as a risk, MOON highlights the opportunities of innovation-driven business models, new collaborations and smarter value creation architectures.

MOON 1.0 (May 2022 – May 2023) translated this concept into a practical methodology: the MOON Toolbox. It is a coherent set of methods, frameworks, training materials and a supporting database. With it, companies can systematically review and realign their strategies, business models, processes and value streams towards Green Deal-compatible futures. The toolbox is scientifically robust yet highly practical and can be used by companies of any size and at any point in the value chain – “mission accomplished” for Phase 1.

MOON 2.0 (January 2023 – November 2024) focuses on activation and capability-building. Companies, associations and young talents in the DACH region are addressed through roadshows, university workshops and dedicated transfer formats. Partnerships with key associations and innovation platforms such as Fashion for Good, textil+mode and Bayern Innovativ create a growing ecosystem around MOON that shares knowledge, attracts talent and initiates innovation projects. The result is a tangible transformation pipeline, a strengthened partner network and secure access to innovation – proof that MOON has evolved from an academic concept into a living platform for industry development.

With MOON 3.0 (from December 2025), the focus shifts to implementation and anchoring. The methodology is applied in pilot companies, including AMANN UK, and embedded in structures, processes and communication cultures. The Learning Hub AMANN UK becomes a central node for knowledge transfer and transformation training. MOON follows an explicitly people-centred approach: transformation is seen as “people business”, not a purely technical project. Employees, teams and leadership are equipped to carry and shape change in everyday work.
Two sub-projects sharpen this direction:

MOON 3.0_A2 further develops the existing Learning Suite, originally designed for the shopfloor, into an open training and transfer instrument for employees with interface and steering responsibilities. It accelerates learning, strengthens individual capabilities and anchors a sustainable learning culture across the organisation.

MOON 3.0_B1 addresses fast, flexible knowledge transfer in functions such as sales, communication, project management and service. It develops modular Learning Nuggets – short, targeted units that can be combined into a coherent learning architecture. This creates an integrated approach to capability building that connects functions and synchronises learning across all levels.

Overall, MOON makes clear what is necessary today – and what it delivers: not another promise of spectacular disruption, but a realistic, evidence-based and practical path to a sustainable future. MOON provides the framework, tools and learning architecture to help companies understand their position, define strategic options, implement concrete transformation steps and build the required capabilities. For the Hans A. Pielenz Stiftung, MOON is a model for responsible transformation: fact-based rather than ideological, collaborative rather than isolated, evolutionary rather than hype-driven – and always aiming to link economic viability with responsibility for the environment and society.