Closed Loop Fashion has recently attended and engaged in AidEx 2024 in Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, where we presented an extension of a current project that focuses on the implementation of circular economy principles in the manufacturing of humanitarian aid tents. This project, in collaboration with H. Nizam Din & Sons Private Limited and World of Tents/Alpinter SA, demonstrates our focus on sustainable solutions in the humanitarian aid industry.
Julien Baart, consultant for Closed Loop Fashion, participated in several discussions and presentations during the event, including the United Nations Refugee Agency UNHCR session for introducing newly defined targets of Developing Sustainable Supply Solutions. This engaging and informative workshop outlined UNHCR’s strategic plan to reach sustainability targets by 2050, which includes sourcing 20% of their supply chain materials from recycled or biodegradable sources. The outlined provisions and strategies include:
- Minimising the use of plastics in packaging by 20%
- Disaster relief blankets are made from 100% recycled material
- Plastic parts of the disaster relief tents contain 15% recycled material
- Incorporating 15% recycled material in tarpaulins
However, UNHCR’s vision is not limited to the material composition of the shelter. It also includes the goal of decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10% in international transport operations through sustainable procurement and logistics. Some of these measures are buying and sourcing more locally, using green and efficient packaging, and optimising full container load (FCL) transportation.
In order to facilitate these changes, UNHCR has integrated sustainability requirements into their procurement and tender processes, making it compulsory for suppliers to adhere to these new environmental standards. However, during the workshop, innovative suppliers introduced issues concerning the balance between innovation and cost. The problem of high costs of sustainable products means that they are not chosen in competitive tenders, where more cost efficient solutions are still prioritised. Furthermore challenging is the lack of alternative sustainable products and suppliers, consequently innovation is still being seen as the “premium” option.
For sustainable innovation to work, there must be a change of culture within the industry and more suppliers embrace sustainable practices and compete on this front. While UNHCR’s updated procurement guidelines are a positive development, more stakeholders need to get involved and committed to this change to build a robust market for sustainable humanitarian aid solutions.
Closed Loop Fashion also engaged with industry practitioners and network with like-minded organisations and enterprises throughout AidEx 2024. These discussions fostered valuable connections and discussions on the topic of circularity. We look forward to AidEx 2025, where we will share the results and key findings of our current project for establishing circular economy practices into humanitarian aid tents, in partnership with H. Nizam Din & Sons Private Limited and World of Tents/Alpinter SA!
