Sustainable Chemicals, Waste Management Project for Textile & Garment Sector Launched 

Addis Ababa  April 18/2016 (ENA) A project that promotes circular economy in the textile and garment sector was launched in Ethiopia today.

A circular economy (CE) approach extends the life of textile products through reuse and repair and keep end-of-life materials in the economy through recycling. 

The 5-year project is part of promotion of circular economy in the textile and garment sector through sustainable management of chemicals and waste underway in Lesotho, Madagascar, and South Africa, it was learned. 

The project in Ethiopia benefits 10 textile manufacturing facilities and additional industry stakeholders. 

The circular economy promotion project includes training and capacity building about sustainable chemical management and waste water management, training of local partners to scale technical expertise and on-site support at the identified facilities to implement sustainable chemical management system.

Speaking during the launching ceremony, Manufacturing Industry Development Institute (MIDI) Director-General Milkessa Jagema said the project is compatible with the new Ethiopian Manufacturing Industry Policy.

  Noting that the sector consumes high amount of energy and chemicals causing pollution, he said a lot of mitigation mechanisms developed and implemented globally and locally have been included in the project. 

He furthers stated that the sector has positive contributions to Ethiopia’s economy, although it is considered as one of the most polluting sectors in the world.

Therefore, “we have to follow the circular economy approach for sustainable and inclusive growth of the sector.”  

The project launched in Ethiopia today is funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF).