Naseej strengthens textile sustainability drive with partnerships focused on collection, recycling and circular fashion.
Abu Dhabi: Naseej, the UAE’s National Initiative for Textile Circularity, has signed 14 strategic agreements with leading organisations as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce textile waste and advance a circular economy across the country.
The agreements were signed at the Emirates Foundation headquarters in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The partnerships bring together government entities, private sector companies and community organisations to support and expand textile collection, reuse, recycling and innovation efforts.
The latest agreements expand Naseej’s growing network to more than 35 organisations, including partners from the public and private sectors, academic institutions and civil society groups.
The initiative said the new partnerships represent the next phase of its development following its official launch and the success of the “Fabric of Possibility” community campaign, which was held at Yas Mall in June.
The new strategic partners include ADNOC Distribution, Aldar, PureHealth, M42, Landmark Group, LuLu Group, Deliveroo, Talabat, Re-Up, Rebound, Miniwiz, Fabricaid, Thrift for Good and Kiswa.
The partnerships will focus on four key areas: enhancing textile collection and recovery systems, advancing research and innovation, promoting public awareness and sustainable practices, and supporting the development of policies that encourage the growth of a circular textile sector.
Ahmed Talib Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, said the partnerships mark a significant step towards building a national ecosystem that promotes textile circularity and supports sustainable practices across the UAE.
He said successful national initiatives depend on strong collaboration between different sectors and shared objectives that deliver long-term environmental, economic and social benefits.
Etienne Petit, CEO of Tadweer Group, said textile waste remains one of the most challenging waste streams to recycle, while also presenting significant opportunities to recover valuable materials that would otherwise go to waste.
He added that the initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s goal of diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfills by 2031 by improving textile collection, reuse and recycling systems.
Naseej said it is taking a phased approach, starting with pilot projects before scaling successful programmes across the UAE.
Current projects include retail clothing take-back programmes, school uniform recycling initiatives and residential textile collection schemes. The initiative is also collaborating with sectors such as hospitality, aviation, logistics and healthcare to introduce circular uniform programmes that encourage sustainable procurement and improved textile management.
Naseej is also working with stakeholders to develop regulations, standards and incentives that support the growth of the textile circularity sector. In parallel, it is conducting market research and behavioural studies while supporting start-ups and small businesses developing innovative solutions in textile recycling and circular design.
Later this year, the initiative plans to release the UAE’s first State of Fashion Circularity report, offering a data-driven assessment of the country’s fashion industry and its preparedness to adopt circular economy practices.
Naseej said addressing textile waste requires collective efforts and called on businesses, government entities, researchers, educational institutions and community members to join the initiative and contribute to building a more sustainable future for textiles in the UAE.
