UNIDO unveils roadmap for developing a more circular textile value chain in Morocco

UNIDO shared findings from the SwitchMed Programme pilot project on reforming Morocco's textile sector to adopt circular economy principles and better chemical management practices.

Published on Thursday 01 February 2024· INDUSTRY AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

Based on pilot project learning and outcomes from the EU-funded SwitchMed Programme, UNIDO presents crucial aspects to reform and adopt the textile sector in Morocco for including business models that can include better chemical management and principles of circular economy.

During a closing event held on 16 January at the Casa Moda Academy, Casablanca, Morocco, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) presented results and lessons learned from the textile initiative in Morocco, achieved under the EU-funded regional SwitchMed program. Since 2019, the textile initiative has focused on promoting safer chemical management practices and supporting the creation of local value chains for the proper segregation, collection and recycling of pre-consumer textile waste following different circular business models in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.

The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Moroccan Association of Textile and Clothing Industries (AMITH), leaders from the textile value chain, and the European Union delegation in Morocco. A detailed national roadmap on how to minimize and valorize pre-consumption textile waste was presented during the event, developed from the learnings and outcomes of the textile initiative in Morocco.

The roadmap focuses on critical aspects for industries to consider when reusing textiles as a material in their production processes. These aspects include ensuring the safety of the reclaimed material, determining the stage at which it was reclaimed, identifying the most suitable recycling technology, determining the best end uses for the recycled materials, and designing products that can be recycled more efficiently.

Hanan Hanzaz, Head of the Regional Office for the Arab Region and Officer-in-Charge Representative of UNIDO in Morocco, emphasized the roadmap’s significance. “This roadmap aims to generate and guide discussion among stakeholders regarding key milestones, objectives, and timelines related to developing and implementing a strategic plan to leverage circular business models. The overarching objective is to enhance the competitiveness of the Moroccan textile industry while minimizing its environmental impact.”

In the textile initiative, UNIDO’s collaboration with international brands, local producers, expert organizations, and national institutions has been vital to demonstrate business models that can convert textile waste into valuable resources. The initiative included two pilot projects aimed at reintroducing high and low-value pre-consumer textile waste into the Moroccan textile value chain. Additionally, another pilot initiative collaborated with the Casa Moda Academy to develop student capsule collections based on circular design principles from pre-consumer textile waste. The selected collections from this collaboration will be exhibited during the Milan Fashion Week at the WSM | White Sustainable Milan from February 22-26.

As part of its efforts to promote the phase-out of hazardous chemicals in Morocco’s textile industry, UNIDO partnered with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation, a multi-stakeholder initiative for the textile, apparel, leather and footwear industry. The ZDHC initiative provided training and capacity-building actions that helped prepare country roadmaps to extend the adoption of ZDHC guidelines within the textile-finishing sector. By adopting safer chemicals for different processes, the recovery of materials and resources from the production process can be improved, and the sector can become better compliant with international market requirements.

Roberta De Palma, a Chief Technical Advisor from UNIDO, highlighted the importance of efficient chemical management and circular business models. “The Moroccan textile sector can strengthen its global position as a sustainable and reliable partner by adopting innovative business models, better complying with regulatory requirements for global export markets.”

For in-depth case studies and additional information on the Roadmap from the textile initiative in Morocco, click here.

"This roadmap aims to generate and guide discussion among stakeholders regarding key milestones, objectives, and timelines related to developing and implementing a strategic plan to leverage circular business models."

Hanan Hanzaz, Head of the Regional Office for the Arab Region, UNIDO

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