Shanghai, China—The journey towards a circular economy for China’s textile industry reached a significant milestone with the launch of the “Benchmarking Guide on Circular Textiles for Chinese MSMEs.” This guide, developed under the EU SWITCH-Asia project Transitions to Circular Economy Practices in Textile and Apparel MSMEs Along the Lifecycle in Huzhou and Shaoxing, is spearheaded by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability in collaboration with key industry stakeholders. The unveiling of this comprehensive guide took place during the Circular Financing Summit: Enhancing Textile MSMEs, recently held in Shanghai.
China’s position as the world’s largest textile producer and exporter underscores the critical need for sustainable transformation in the sector. Recognizing this urgency, the Benchmarking Guide delivers actionable solutions tailored for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These include strategies for circular design, sustainable production, and responsible supply chain management, all essential elements to transition towards resource-efficient and low-waste models.
“We developed this guide to help MSMEs embrace sustainability and remain competitive. It translates complex policy and market demands into practical steps,” said Dr. Ying-Chih Deng-Sommer, Project Coordinator from ICLEI, highlighting the guide’s role in addressing industry challenges.
The launch event brought together a diverse audience, including MSME owners, policymakers, investors, and researchers, setting the stage for meaningful discourse on the future of sustainable textiles. The programme featured expert presentations that highlighted the importance of aligning Chinese textile practices with both domestic and EU sustainability standards. A panel discussion followed, engaging stakeholders from public, private, and financial sectors to explore innovations in green technology and the benefits of supportive policies for MSMEs. Adding a practical dimension, pioneering MSMEs shared real-life case studies illustrating successful integration of circular principles into their operations.
The Benchmarking Guide is poised to make a significant impact by addressing key areas of concern for MSMEs. By aligning operations with global standards, MSMEs can enhance their market competitiveness, particularly in EU markets where demand for sustainable products is growing. The guide also helps businesses stay proactive in regulatory compliance, ensuring resilience amidst evolving environmental policies. Additionally, it consolidates critical knowledge on sustainable technologies and best practices, empowering MSMEs to innovate and lead in sustainability. Tailored recommendations further ensure the guide’s relevance to the unique challenges and resource constraints faced by enterprises in China.
Looking ahead, stakeholders are encouraged to participate in various initiatives aimed at scaling the guide’s impact. Workshops and training programmes will provide capacity-building opportunities for MSMEs, equipping them to integrate the guide’s recommendations effectively. Collaborative platforms will foster partnerships among industry players, policymakers, and financiers, paving the way for broader implementation of sustainable practices. Meanwhile, ongoing research in Huzhou and Shaoxing will continue to refine the guide by incorporating updated data and field insights, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness over time.
Supporting Partners
This initiative is led by China Institute of Standardization (CNIS) under the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme, co-lead with the ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability the China Textile Development Center (CTDC), and Medwaves.
For More Information & Access to the Guide
Visit ICLEI Circulars Resource to download the Benchmarking Guide on Circular Textiles for Chinese MSMEs and learn more about upcoming training events.
Media Contact
- Dr. Ying-Chih Deng-Sommer, Project Coordinator, ICLEI
- Email: [email protected]
