Globally the fashion industry generates approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, significantly contributing to environmental pollution and accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions. Each year, about 62 million tonnes of textiles are consumed worldwide. Textile waste poses a significant challenge for Ghana, which is  a net importer of used textiles, and in 2021 was the 12th largest importer, accounting for 2% of global imports.

This year's International Day of Zero Waste, under the theme Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles, focuses on the urgent need for action to mitigate the waste impact of the fashion and textile sector while promoting sustainability and circularity. The government of Ghana recognizes the environmental impacts of textile waste and in response to this challenge has partnered with international organizations to explore sustainable textile management practices. Although a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy for textiles is not yet established, the government is  developing a legal framework for plastics, with intentions to expand it to include textiles.

At the global level, UNDP through its Zero Waste Offer aims to support the transition towards zero waste through focusing on municipalities to adopt integrated planning and programming for waste management. One of its offers is to facilitate the creation of zero-waste platforms which convene key stakeholders, including private sector and civil society organizations, to collaborate on waste management solutions. The Ghana Waste Recovery Platform serves as such a platform bringing key stakeholders in the waste sector to deliberate on ways to collectively address the waste challenges. In the past, the focus has been skewed towards plastics however the platform can expand discussions to include textile waste. Also, UNDP in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation through the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) programme, is supporting innovative initiatives to tackle the textile waste problem. A notable example is Mary Aboagyewaa who creates eco-friendly products such as school bags and raincoats from recycled sachet rubbers. She enhances the aesthetic appeal of her bags by covering them with waste fabrics. To upscale such initiatives and effectively address the increasing textile waste problem in Ghana, some measures need to be implemented.

Implementing comprehensive policies 

First and foremost, well-defined policies are essential for effectively addressing textile waste. Implementing Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Schemes assigns manufacturers and importers the responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products. EPR schemes will incentivize more efficient product management, leading to reduced environmental risks by focusing on both upstream (from design to point of sale) and downstream (from sale to end-of-life) activities. To complement the EPR initiatives, the government can launch textile waste collection and recycling programmes. This would involve establishing dedicated collection systems for textile waste, ensuring that materials are properly sorted and directed towards recycling. Additionally, offering incentives for recycling can encourage participation from both consumers and businesses, further promoting sustainable practices.

Investing in Research and Development

Investing in research and development is essential for addressing the issue of textile waste and promoting sustainable fashion practices. There is the need to increase funding for the development of innovative recycling technologies that process complex textile materials, such as blended fibres, which are often difficult to recycle. Furthermore, research should emphasize designing products with mono-materials, as this facilitates efficient recycling and component separation.

Promoting sustainable practices 

Engaging citizens in the sustainability dialogue is crucial. By educating them about the environmental effects of textile waste, we can empower both producers and consumers to make informed choices. Education enables individuals to embrace sustainable practices like upcycling and recycling. This approach not only encourages the reuse and repurposing of old clothing and textiles but also significantly decreases the volume of textile waste that ultimately finds its way into landfills.

Addressing textile waste requires a multifaceted approach that combines the implementation of comprehensive policies, investment in research and development and the promotion of sustainable practises. By implementing these strategies, the environmental impact of textile waste can be mitigated, contributing to a more circular and sustainable fashion industry. 

The transition towards zero waste in the fashion and textiles sector is not only an environmental imperative but also an opportunity to create economic opportunities and build a more resilient and sustainable future.