SmartEnvelope / David Rickard (GB)/Photo: tom mesic
,

Better Factory

Better Factory provides a methodology for manufacturing SMEs to collaborate with artists and technology suppliers to develop new and personalized products

Better Factory empowers manufacturing SMEs to compete globally by integrating art and technology to create new, personalised products. Each team—comprising a manufacturing SME, an artist and a technology provider—receives up to €200k in funding and technical support for a 16-month program. Now in its final year the project has produced innovative solutions such as new 3D printing methods and pioneering durable materials, showcasing the transformative power of art-driven innovation in manufacturing.

Better Factory is a European Commission-funded project to help manufacturing SMEs collaborate with artists and technology providers to develop innovative, personalized products. The core research question revolves around how art-driven innovation can transform manufacturing processes. Audiences can witness cutting-edge installations and products developed through these collaborations, such as circular economy office chairs, IoT-enhanced wine barrels, algorithm-driven wheat stem products and mycelium-based construction materials.

This work puts a spotlight on the intersection of art, technology and sustainability. By integrating digital transformation and artistic experimentation, Better Factory addresses global challenges like waste reduction, circular economy practices, and sustainable production.

Artists explore recycling wine waste into bio-materials, developing smart security envelopes, and innovating with overused titanium in 3D printing.

By starting the content, you agree that data will be transmitted to youtube.com.
Data Protection Declaration
  • SmartEnvelope

    SmartEnvelope

    David Rickard (GB)

    SmartEnvelope is a new product developed by a consortium formed of the envelope manufacturer Plast-Farb, technical specialist AndTech and the artist David Rickard. This new type of postal product can be linked to online content relevant to each and every separate envelope via individualised QR codes and an innovative database. Alongside digital connectivity, the physical…

Credits

Better Factory brings together key European technology, art, and innovation actors to create a framework for Manufacturing SMEs. It helps manufacturers enter new markets with customisable products and services, using Business and Arts Mentors and technology partners to explore new business models and digitalize factories.

Coordinated by VTT, the consortium includes 28 partners from 18 countries:

Arts Ecosystem: INOVA, GLUON, WAAG
Art Supplier: In4Art
Tech Centres: Fraunhofer IPA, AIMEN, SUPSI, Slovakia National Centre of Robotics, INESCTEC, Cyprus University of Technology
Industrial Clusters: Transylvanian Furniture Cluster, Slovenian Tool and Die-Development Centre, Latvian Federation of Food Companies, CLUTEX, Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley, Pécs‐Baranya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ICT Cluster, University of Oulu
Tech Suppliers: INFOTECH, Top Data Science, Holonix, GESTALT Robotics, European Dynamics
Business Developer: Hermia Yrityskehitys Oy
Communication: Mobile World Capital Barcelona
Open Call Management: FundingBox
Legal Framework: time.lex

This project has received funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme under grant agreement No. 951813.