The launch of the National Textile Recycling Initiative “Naseej” came in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, to support the transformation of the textile sector into a sustainable circular economic system that preserves resources.
The potential global economic growth of the circular economy is estimated at $4.5 trillion, through the transformation of “consumption, manufacturing and disposal” models into sustainable and renewable systems. The market size is expected to exceed $550 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate of more than 13%. Let us not forget the increasing growth in employment and work opportunities resulting from this emerging sector. Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office for National Projects Affairs, said: “The Naseej initiative is an affirmation of the UAE’s firm commitment to sustainability as a shared responsibility, and an embodiment of a national vision based on transforming challenges into opportunities with a long-term impact.”
Community contributions will be through changing behaviour, adopting more conscious and responsible patterns of dealing with resources, enhancing voluntary participation and paving the way for a flexible and comprehensive development path that enhances future readiness and sustainability practices.
The leadership in the UAE is always looking to turn challenges into opportunities, and firmly believes in the role of society – in all its aspects – in achieving these ambitious visions. With the volume of textile waste reaching approximately 220 thousand tons annually, work must begin to build a future in which resources are managed efficiently and their potential is invested in a sustainable manner, which embodies the state’s commitment to environmental responsibility, and establishing a culture of conscious consumption that is consistent with the principles of the circular economy, and contributes to achieving the goals of the “UAE Circular Economy Agenda.” 2031”.
This initiative, which it is hoped will develop into an integrated work system, will be the nucleus for meaningful and growthable community work, to include other axes and pillars that enhance the circular economy, such as waste from the agricultural and industrial sectors, and others.
Perhaps recycling palm fronds, pruning forest trees, manufacturing biochar or converting them into organic biofertilizers or soil amendments – or even distributing pruning waste during the winter season, such as the Emirate of Sharjah’s “Your Fire is on Us” initiative – will be among the priorities for developing the initiative in its next stages.
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