Systemic Design Approach: Enhancing Regenerative Agriculture in the UK Textile Industry through Collaborative Engagement with Papillon Bleu

The purpose of this thesis is to apply the methodology of systemic design to support the reconstruction of the hemp supply chain in the territory of Leicestershire, UK, adding value to the hemp industry and the region, taking Papillon Bleu, a textile company that operates in the area, as a principal reference. Overcoming the challenges found in the holistic diagnosis of the project could unveil hemp's unrecognised benefits across the industry, production processes, and society. The core methodology revolves around the Systemic Design method and the Design Value Framework, rooted in sustainability and the analysis of interconnected issues. The five pillars of systemic design guide systemic and sustainable solutions through self-sufficiency, relationship-building, local action, consideration of human needs, and endorsement of circularity. The opportunities of the systemic project resulting from the analysis and research conducted in the holistic diagnosis are categorised into short-, medium-, and long-term implementation periods. Short-term options include the strategic use of hemp crops as a break crop in the cereal industry and enhancing the website for collaboration and information sharing. A novel approach involving hemp mulch as a natural herbicide and collaboration with local, sustainable product developers adds sustainability to managing the project's outputs. Medium-term suggestions involve education on the management of hemp crops and the integration of sheep breeding into the agricultural system of hemp to improve soil quality and follow regenerative agriculture principles. The long-term emphasis is on building a community among farmers around the company. The proposal envisions a holistic approach to enhancing sustainability, collaboration, and innovation efforts, with phased implementation showcasing a strategic vision. In conclusion, applying systemic design principles to the textile industry paves the way for a sustainable transition, incorporating systemic design, upcycling, hemp, and regenerative agriculture to foster a circular model. This benefits the environment, promotes collaboration, and drives innovation in the region and the company.