Closed Loop Fashion is pleased to announce its contribution to the recently published Sustainability Recommendation Paper, “Promoting Textile Waste Management and Recycling in the Garment, Footwear, and Travel Goods (GFT) Sector.” The paper, now available on the Asia Garment Hub, outlines a transformative vision for integrating circular economy practices into the textile industry in Cambodia. The publication, supported by the H&M Foundation, was developed in collaboration with Global Fashion Agenda, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Circle Economy and Reverse Resources, bringing together diverse expertise to shape its impactful recommendations.
As the industry confronts growing environmental and social challenges, this document provides actionable insights, addressing the pressing need to tackle textile waste in Cambodia. Major key points from the recommendation paper can be summarised by these 5 points below:
- Circularity as a Growth Driver: Transitioning to a circular economy is vital for Cambodia’s textile sector amid emerging Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) laws. By treating waste as a resource and investing in recycling, the sector can minimise environmental impact and boost its global competitiveness
- Government’s Role in Transformation: Cambodia’s government is setting the stage for change with initiatives like the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the textile Sector Development Strategy. However, progress depends on implementing effective regulations, advancing recycling infrastructure, and driving innovation in waste management.
- Actionable Recommendations for Circularity: Clear guidelines on textile waste management, infrastructure investment, better waste data systems, and incentives for recycling technologies are critical steps forward. Collaboration among stakeholders is key to creating a functional circular economy.
- Collaboration Across the Sector: Manufacturers, brands, recyclers, and development partners must work together to establish transparent systems, improve waste traceability, and adopt industry-wide standards that drive sustainable practices.
- Global Brands Must Lead the Way: International brands sourcing from Cambodia can catalyse the shift by adopting circular sourcing practices, supporting local recyclers, and championing policy reforms to make Cambodia’s textile sector a sustainability leader.
Closed Loop Fashion will continue to support innovation and collaboration in the textile & apparel (T&A) sector. Together with other stakeholders, we aim to collaboratively address the challenges related to textile waste and promote circular economy solutions.
The Recommendation Paper can be downloaded on the Asia Garment Hub.
