Promotion of circular economy in the textile and garment sector through the sustainable management of chemicals and waste in Lesotho, Madagascar and South Africa

Published on October 17, 2024

The objective of the project is to promote circular economy in the textile and garment value chain in Ethiopia Lesotho, Madagascar and South Africa through sustainable management of POPs chemicals and wastes; and the reuse, recycling and remanufacturing of textile/garment discards and wastes. In addition to promoting the economic competitiveness of the sector, the Project will also support the adoption of international best practices and compliance with international standards, norms and/or regulations. In particular, the Project will assist the selected countries to implement the provisions of the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with synergistic effects of also reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, thereby addressing the issue of climate change. This initiative is also a response to Global Environment Facility (GEF)’s recognition of the need to transit from a linear economy to a circular one as an opportunity to pursue a suite of environmental benefits through public-private partnerships.

The project will address key challenges of resource inefficiency, pollution, and waste generation in one of the most resource-intensive industries. By focusing on the sustainable management of chemicals and waste, the project encourages practices that reduce hazardous chemical use, promote recycling, and minimize environmental harm. It helps transition the textile sector from a linear model, where resources are extracted, used, and discarded, to a circular one, where materials are reused, recycled, or safely returned to the environment. This not only conserves natural resources but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and limits the impact on ecosystems. Moreover, it supports compliance with global environmental standards, enhancing the competitiveness of local industries in international markets that increasingly demand sustainable products. By integrating eco-design principles, resource-efficient manufacturing processes, and waste management strategies, the project strengthens capacities within the textile sector in these countries to align with SCP objectives, fostering economic growth that is both sustainable and equitable. Ultimately, the project contributes to achieving SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption and production patterns, while also empowering local communities through green jobs and fostering environmental stewardship.

There are four main components to the project:
Component 1: Strengthening of regulatory and institutional capacities for adoption and promotion of Circular Economy (CE) in the textile and garment sector. The goal of Component 1 is the creation of the necessary institutional frameworks, effective policy control and incentives and technical resources to advance in the Circular Economy agenda in the TG sector along the whole value-chain by promoting Best Available Techniques (BAT)/Best Environmental Practices (BEP)/Resource Efficient and cleaner production (RECP) while preventing/ reducing POPs and other hazardous chemicals.

Component 2: Recyclability of textile and garment wastes is enhanced through POPs-free textile manufacturing process and the implementation of BAT/BEP and RECP investments. The goal of Component 2 is to implement BAT/ BEP/ RECP methodology and Circular Economy concepts for the prevention and reduction of POPs and other hazardous chemicals and materials use in textile and garment production facilities as well as its substitution by Environmentally Sound Alternatives (ESA) including non-chemical alternatives, in line with the requirements of the SC and National priorities, while enhancing the recyclability and reuse of textile and garments wastes through POPs-free textiles and garment manufacturing. The component will also introduce RECP options such as wastewater minimization, pollution control and management, energy efficiency and renewable energy implementation.

Component 3: Introduction of Circular Economy concept for UPOPs emission reductions through ESM of textile and garment wastes and pilot demonstration of textiles/garment wastes recycling and reuse. The goal of component 3 is to promote the implementation of Pilot demonstration for the reuse and recycling of textile and garment wastes through the introduction of circular economy concepts, BAT and BEP in existing and future reuse-recycling facilities with the final objective of reusing and recycling 100% of wastes in the future in an environmentally sound manner. The project aims to promote the circularity of textile and garment value chain through adoption of sustainable wastes management plans and strategy. The project will identify opportunities for forward integration by the textile and garment sector through the reprocessing and recycling of TG wastes into the textile manufacturing process. For contaminated wastes the project will support the disposal in an environmentally sound manner through the application of appropriate BAT/BEP.

Component 4: Knowledge management for scaling up.
This component aims to ensure that project results are sustained and scaled at national, regional and global levels.