Research & White Papers
The evidence base behind the work.
KCEI is research-driven. Our materials, models, and approaches are documented, tested, and peer-reviewed. We publish our findings and share the evidence that justifies our methods.
Research Partner
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
The Kasandy Foundation holds a formal research MOU with Emily Carr University (ECUAD) — a ten-milestone agreement covering applied R&D on circular textile products, material science, and circular economy design.
ECUAD researchers collaborate directly with KCEI workers on product development, testing acoustic bricks, playground surfaces, park furnishings, and other circular textile outputs.
Each milestone is documented and reported. The MOU is active. Research findings are published as milestones are completed.
ECUAD Research Team
- Faculty Lead & Grant ApplicantEllen [Surname]Lead researcher and primary grant applicant for the ECUAD–Kasandy MOU.
- Facilities & Research OfficeWilliam [Surname]Oversees equipment and lab access for the KCEI pilot.
- Postgraduate ResearcherAnnika [Surname]Material testing and circular product development.
KCEI Publications
Research produced with and by the Kasandy Foundation.
Publications are released as research milestones are reached. All documents are available upon request.
Acoustic Brick Compression Testing Report
Applied R&D into textile-based acoustic brick manufacturing. Material testing, compression ratings, and acoustic performance benchmarks produced in collaboration with ECUAD.
Inclusive Green Economy: A Framework for Canadian Cities
How circular economy initiatives can be designed from the outset to include communities systematically excluded from the green economy — refugees, newcomers, people with disabilities, Black and Indigenous women.
Textile-Based Insulation Panels: Feasibility Assessment
Applied R&D into construction insulation from compressed textile waste. National Building Code compliance analysis. Positioned as a feasibility study — not a committed product stream.
KCEI Midline Activity Report: January–April 2026
Activity report covering KCEI operational milestones, partnership development, grant deliverables, and community engagement outcomes for the SBCCI grant period.
The Canada–Kenya Textile Export Pipeline: What BC Residents Should Know
White paper documenting the bulk export of Canadian donated textiles to African markets. Evidence base for KCEI's community collection model and the case for local circular infrastructure.
Circular Economy Employment: International Models
Comparative analysis of circular economy employment models in France (FabBrick), the Netherlands, and Kenya. Evidence base for KCEI's inclusive employment design.
External Research
Foundational research from the global circular economy ecosystem.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion's Future
Foundational analysis of the global textile circular economy opportunity. The primary external research framework underpinning KCEI's model.
City of Vancouver
Zero Waste 2040 Strategy
Vancouver's strategic plan for zero waste. KCEI addresses the textile waste stream — one of the largest unresolved categories in the strategy.
Government of Canada
Federal Equity Framework for Employment
The federal mandate framework that KCEI's inclusive employment model directly addresses, opening access to ESDC, WorkBC, and IRCC funding streams.
Policy Alignment
KCEI is aligned with:
Vancouver Zero Waste 2040
The City of Vancouver's strategic plan to eliminate waste. KCEI addresses the textile waste stream — one of the largest unresolved categories.
Greenest City Action Plan
Vancouver's long-term sustainability framework. KCEI delivers against the green jobs, circular economy, and equity pillars simultaneously.
Federal Equity Framework
KCEI employs from communities excluded from the green economy — refugees, newcomers, people with disabilities, Black and Indigenous women.
Research collaboration inquiries.
Academics, policy researchers, and institutions interested in KCEI research collaboration are welcome to reach out. Jackee is also available for speaking engagements on circular economy and social enterprise.