As part of my studies in Digital Concept Development at KEA (Copenhagen School of Design and Technology), I participated in a 3-day Circular Design Camp competition at LOOP Forum. This event was both an incredible and an eye-opening experience, in terms of what can be achieved in such a short time span.

During the camp, we were challenged to find a circular and innovative solution to a given company’s challenge, creating a prototype, and pitching the idea within just three days. VAER was our client, and my team and I worked on developing an innovative and sustainable solution for them. Our project focused on transforming old FCK (FC København) jerseys into exclusive “FCK fan” sneakers, addressing the critical issue of textile waste while enhancing fan engagement.

The main goal was to reduce textile waste and promote a circular economy within the sports merchandise industry. We aimed to create a product that not only recycled old jerseys but also offered added value to fans through technology integration. Each pair of FCK fan sneakers included an embedded NFC chip beneath the FCK logo, allowing fans to interact with the sneakers using their phones. This provided access to exclusive club content, such as behind-the-scenes footage, player interviews, and discounts at the stadium bar, enhancing the overall fan experience and loyalty. By upcycling old jerseys into new products, we significantly reduced textile waste and promoted sustainability. Fans could return worn-out sneakers for a discount on new upcycled pairs, featuring a reset NFC chip with updated content. This approach not only extended the life of the materials but also fostered a strong sense of community and pride among fans. The ongoing partnership between VAER and FCK holds promise for expanding into other merchandise items, offering more exclusive benefits and deepening the connection with supporters.

Our solution was well received, and we were announced as the winners of the Circular Design Camp. This project demonstrated the potential for combining environmental responsibility with innovative fan engagement. Read more about it here.

Through this experience, I gained deeper insights into how circular design and rapid prototyping can effectively create impactful solutions.