As part of the GIZ-initiated project “Textile Waste Improvement Programme For Circularity (WIP4C),” Closed Loop Fashion developed and conducted a customized training session on Textile Waste Management in Phnom Penh, Cambodian Garment Training Institute (CGTI), on March 12, 2024. The primary objective of this umbrella project is to establish a robust recycling ecosystem involving 21 local garment manufacturers, 2 recyclers, and 12 international brands, addressing the critical issue of textile waste in Cambodia.
The one-day Textile Waste Management training was tailored for all stakeholders involved in the WIP4C pilot project and was attended by 80 participants from 24 factories, 2 recyclers , as well as other organizations such as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Cambodian Garment Training Institute (CGTI), Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), and Sevea.
The training session took place after Closed Loop Fashion had conducted baseline assessments at all 21 participating factories on their textile waste management practices.The main focus of this training was enhancing these factories’ capacity to meet textile waste management standards and prepare their waste as material feedstock for local recyclers. The goal is to optimize the value of textile waste through improved sorting and management practices. Factories should also proficiently monitor and trace waste flows from point of waste generation through their process flow to third party waste collectors and recyclers.
The training was opened with introductory remarks by GIZ and CGTI and then Jenny Puts of Closed Loop Fashion began the first session with an explanation about the new European Union Action Plan, which – amongst others – pushes for the incorporation of recycled materials. Afterwards, the second session was continued by GIZ again where an overview about the legal framework and environmental policies in Cambodia was presented. Marina Chahboune then presented the core of the Textile Waste Management Standard training, developed by Closed Loop Fashion over years of industry experience. The training is tailored to Cambodia’s local context and the garment manufacturing stage to fit the specific needs and situation of the factories.
Closed Loop Fashion introduced the four main aspects of Textile Waste Mapping:
- Waste prevention & reduction: Identification of generation points and classification of waste by type, material composition, and quantities etc.
- Preparation for reuse: Collection, sorting, and storage of waste for further processing.
- Reuse: Division of stored waste into categories for recycling, either in-house or at another facility as preferred disposal method.
- Tracking and monitoring: Documenting all stages of textile waste mapping.
By integrating these aspects into the SOP, factories can establish reasonable targets to maximize the effectiveness of waste management by reducing waste generation and improving disposal methods. And importantly start to implement material recovery for their waste and to achieve the transition from least/less to preferred disposal method; prioritizing reuse & recycle, which includes upcycling and downcycling.
Closed Loop Fashion also introduced two very important standards: the Higg FEM and the GRS (Global Recycled Standard). Closed Loop Fashion’s own assessment methodology also includes all standard requirements of Higg FEM Waste Module as well as GRS waste related focus areas. The baseline assessment ensures a holistic evaluation of waste practices thus equipping the factories to better implement the knowledge gained from the training modules. The training is designed to help factories enhance their waste management practices and Higg FEM scoring, aiming to increase the value and accessibility of their waste and promote recycling over incineration or landfill disposal.
In the quest for more circular textile supply chains, the WIP4C project aims to address the urgent challenge of textile waste management in Cambodia. With the joint efforts of local garment manufacturers, recyclers, and international brands, this initiative marks a vital stride towards establishing an effective recycling ecosystem. Through comprehensive training sessions and the adoption of industry-leading standards like the Higg Index and GRS, factories are now equipped not only to meet but gradually surpass waste management expectations.
