The ECO-S Climate Tech Hub is promoting the circular economy and sustainable business collaborations between startups, textile companies, and fashion brands through the event 'Future of Fashion is Circular.'
This event aims to raise public awareness about textile waste and its impact on the economy, society, and the environment, while introducing the circular economy as a solution to the growing textile waste problem in Indonesia. In 2018, the zero-waste community in Indonesia found that 80% of the waste collected in Indonesian seas was textile waste. Additionally, 66% of Indonesian adults discard at least one piece of clothing each year, and 25% discard more than ten pieces annually.
During the panel discussion, speakers from The Future Kind, EcoTouch, Ever Shine Tex, and Rantai Tekstil Lestari discussed the importance of the role each party plays in the supply chain to achieve sustainable and circular practices. Starting from design, sourcing raw materials, production processes, to post-consumer waste management, at each stage, parties can innovate and develop ideas or systems that have a positive impact on communities and the environment.
Rantai Tekstil Lestari (RTL) is an association in Indonesia that consists of companies, civil society, universities, and other relevant stakeholders in the textile and fashion industry value chain, all sharing the same concern for sustainability issues to address future challenges. Rizal Tanzil Rakhman, Manager of Government Relations & Sustainability at PT. Pan Brothers, Tbk, and a member of RTL, stated that RTL focuses on sustainability values within the textile industry supply chain in Indonesia and is ready to collaborate globally to support any jointly conducted programs and commitments to create a positive ecosystem in the textile and textile product sector from upstream to downstream.
"This multi-stakeholder association is crucial in the joint effort to realise initiatives toward a prosperous Indonesia and a 'Sustainability' Indonesia. It aims to create a cleaner and healthier Indonesia for the future and be part of the global community in creating a clean and sustainable world environment," explained Rizal.
Meanwhile, Michael Sung, Director of Ever Shine Tex Tbk and a member of Rantai Tekstil Lestari, stated, "As a member of Rantai Tekstil Lestari, we often attend workshops and training sessions together to advance circular economic partnerships within the textile value chain and industry. We hope today's discussion can open up opportunities for collaboration and encourage players in the Textile and Textile Product (TPT) industry to develop toward a more sustainable industry. In this regard, it's not only about recycled raw materials but also using chemicals that are hazard-free, life cycle analysis encompassing the production process, and the fuel used to reduce emissions and waste."
The event also featured a workshop conducted by the startup The Future Kind, led by three women in sustainable fashion: Cristina Kountiou, Nicole van der Elst Desai, and Tanja Wessels. The Future Kind is a consultancy organisation that provides expertise in education and media strategies that combine personal learning, case studies, and collaboration in the fashion industry. The workshop aimed to kickstart the design thinking process and define each participant's role in creating a circular roadmap.
Participants also had the opportunity to witness the innovation role of startup companies that handle textile waste. EcoTouch is a platform for collecting and recycling non-wearable clothing. In the past two years, EcoTouch has processed 2,750 tons of pre-consumer waste from the garment industry and 15 tons of post-consumer waste from the public. EcoTouch repurposes textile waste into sustainable products such as environmentally friendly building insulation, thread, fabric, and everyday products made from recycled felt.
There are several challenges in developing infrastructure and textile waste collection systems that affect the handling and processing of post-consumer textile waste in Indonesia. The most important takeaway from this event is the contribution of individuals and organisations to help redesign the future of fashion and implement circular economy practices. This initiative starts with changing daily mindsets and habits that will influence consumer demand and producer supply.
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