The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) of Sri Lanka has partnered with international organizations to train approximately 90 individuals in textile recycling and reuse, aligning the island's apparel industry with global sustainability standards.
Known as GTEX, this initiative is organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). It began with a training-of-trainers program attended by 19 Sri Lankan academics, textile professionals, and government representatives.
Key sessions in the program focused on designing for circularity, enhancing reverse logistics for reuse and recycling, and exploring advanced textile recycling technologies and quality standards. These efforts aim to position Sri Lanka as a leader in the global movement for sustainable textiles.
This program helps the organizer equip Sri Lanka’s textile industry with the tools to stay competitive in global markets while addressing the urgent need for circularity, says Matthias Knappe, Head-Fibres, Textiles, and Clothing, ITC.
Looking ahead, GTEX Sri Lanka plans to train approximately 500 industry professionals and students in 2025 in widespread adoption of circular business models in the country’s apparel sector.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General, JAAF, states, an essential step, this initiative helps Sri Lanka’s apparel industry align with international standards and make it more resilient to global market demands.
Emphasising on the necessity of sustainability in today’s textile industry, this initiative equips Sri Lanka to meet the growing global demand for circular and environmentally friendly practices.
