UNEP leads three-year program to promote textiles circularity

21 / 04 / 2022

By Marwa Nassar - -

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) leads the Innovative Business Practices and Economic Models in the Textile Value Chain (InTex) to help extend the life of clothes.

The three-year project is designed to improve resource efficiency and promote circularity in textiles.

Every year, $460 billion worth of clothes that can still be worn are discarded. Not only is that a waste of material, experts say it’s also needlessly contributing to the climate crisis.

The textile sector accounts for up to 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the program’s members is Africa Collect Textiles, a Kenyan start-up that upcycles textile waste into rugs, toys, yarn and other products that can be re-introduced to the market.

Through InTex and the Beat Pollution campaign, UNEP is developing innovative economic models that reduce the impact of pollution and improve human and environmental health.