STOCKHOLM – New research by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Tallinn Centre and the Estonian Academy of Arts at Moi University has mapped levels of textile wastage at Rivatex, a textile factory in Eldoret, Kenya, and provided key recommendations for upcycling solutions.
The study, part of the “Transferring UPMADE know-how to Kenya” project, identifies the potential to turn textile waste into valuable resources.
The report, Mapping textile waste and leftover materials in Rivatex’s textile and garment production process, provides a comprehensive breakdown of waste generation across Rivatex’s operations.
In 2022, the factory produced 607.2 tonnes of textile leftovers and waste. The processing department accounted for the largest share, generating 556.2 tonnes of residual fabrics, including 500 tonnes of grade A, 50 tonnes of grade B, and four tonnes of scrap.
Waste generation in the factory’s other areas totalled: 40 tonnes from spinning (including 18 tonnes of droppings and 10 tonnes of comber noil); 7.09 tonnes of off-spec yarn from preparation and weaving; and 3.87 tonnes from the fashion and apparel division, mainly off-cuts (2.4 tonnes).
The study points out that the waste generated has potential for upcycling, particularly by processes like Upmade, developed by Estonian fashion designer and sustainable design advocate, Reet Aus, in collaboration with the SEI.
The Upmade system upcycles industrial textile waste into new garments, reintroducing leftover materials into production. This creates valuable new products, fostering a circular and sustainable fashion ecosystem. Mapping and analysing textile waste is crucial for Upmade implementation, providing essential data on material streams and suitability for upcycling, establishing a baseline for integration.
The report presents several recommendations to Rivatex to optimise its operations and develop upcycling, including improving the efficiency of operations and utilisation of resources, and streamlining business processes. Some of the key areas to be improved include:
- More sorting and tracking systems for excess fabrics to maximise their use for reuse
- Off-cut reduction initiatives in the fashion apparel industry
- Implementation of the Upmade model into business to manufacture high-quality upcycled products
- Greater management and use of grade A and B fabrics, to ensure they are not wasted
By implementing these recommendations, Rivatex can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of its operations, promote a circular economy, and also have the potential to create additional revenue from upcycled products.
The report offers valuable lessons for textile manufacturers seeking solutions to the growing textile waste problem.
