The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), and with the support of Egypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Environment, successfully concluded the SwitchMed MED TEST III project with a closing ceremony. The event, held on May 14, 2024, at the Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah Hotel, featured the presentation of a comprehensive Roadmap for a Sustainable and Circular Textile Value Chain in Egypt.

Over the past five years, the SwitchMed MED TEST III project, funded by the EU and implemented by UNIDO, has been instrumental in fostering circular economy practices within Egypt’s textile and garment industries. Pilot demonstrations aimed at redirecting pre-consumer textile waste back into the industry and reducing the use of harmful chemicals in dyeing and finishing processes have made significant strides toward sustainability.

Marco Migliorelli, Head of the Green and Sustainable Transition Section from the European Union delegation to Egypt, thanked the cooperation with UNIDO and the national partners for “one of the most relevant and successful projects of the EU in Egypt” and underscored the importance of cooperating with the industry to further trade exchanges.

Since 2019, UNIDO’s SwitchMed MED TEST III project in Egypt has fostered circular value chains in the textile sector. Through waste mapping analysis and industry consultations, opportunities to valorize waste were identified, addressing key industry challenges.

“It is important for each industrial sector to have a plan for reducing raw material consumption and resource efficiency is one of the pillars we support in making the textile sector more sustainable and competitive,” said Dr. Ali Abo Sena, Chief Executive Officer, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency.