About 3DP-STeF

Empowering a Sustainable and Digital Future for Fashion & Textiles

Our mission

The 3DP STeF project advances sustainable innovation in the textile and manufacturing sectors by upskilling and reskilling VET and university students. Through the integration of Additive Manufacturing tools—such as 3D printing—into textiles and fashion, the project bridges technology, creativity, and sustainability.

The EU goals for the manufacturing and fashion industry

Europe aims to reach 20 million ICT specialists by 2030, closing the digital skills gap and enabling SMEs to adopt AI, XR technologies, 3D printing, and digital manufacturing tools.

Textiles and fashion—one of Europe’s most resource-intensive industries—are central to this transformation. The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles highlights the urgent need for new competencies in design, engineering, reuse, and digital production.

3DP-STeF directly supports these ambitions by bridging the skills gap between industry needs and current educational offerings. The project advances sustainable innovation in the textile and manufacturing sectors by upskilling and reskilling VET and university students, introducing Additive Manufacturing (AM) tools, such as 3D printing, into textiles and fashion education.

Our objectives

3DP-STeF builds future-ready skills for Europe’s textile and manufacturing sectors by integrating additive manufacturing, digital technologies, and sustainability into training, education, and industry practices.
Training
Strengthening the technical and digital skills of European manufacturing SMEs and their workforce through an innovative training programme that integrates additive manufacturing and 3D printing into real-world design and production contexts.
Education
Embedding 3D printing and digital technologies into textile and fashion education through specialised learning pathways, including a master’s degree for higher education and micro-credentials for professionals, VET learners, and educators.
Ecosystem Transition
3DP-STeF builds future-ready skills for Europe’s textile and manufacturing sectors by integrating additive manufacturing, digital technologies, and sustainability into training, education, and industry practices.

Partners

Our sister projects