Addressing the Challenge

In Kenya, the textile industry faces a significant environmental challenge. The prevalent linear production model in textile manufacturing is a major contributor to climate change, marked by excessive consumption of raw materials, water, and energy, along with the generation of substantial pre-consumer waste. This system not only impacts the environment but also affects people's wellbeing and the economy.

Project Objective

Our project aims to revolutionize the Kenyan textile industry by introducing the UPMADE model to the Rivatex textile factory. This initiative focuses on transforming the conventional linear production approach into a circular model. By adopting UPMADE's principles, we aim to:

• Enhance the industry's resilience and prosperity.
  
• Reduce the environmental footprint of textile production, notably in pre-consumer waste.
  
• Boost job creation and skill development.
  
• Improve competitiveness and innovation in creating sophisticated products.
  
• Significantly cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with climate targets.

Towards a Circular Future

By bringing the UPMADE model to Kenya, we are not just transforming an industry but also paving the way for a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible future.

Core Activities

Rivatex Waste Analysis: Gathering in-depth data on production processes, materials and internal practices.

Strategic recommendations: Following the analysis, we will present tailored recommendations to redesign the Rivatex value chain to reduce pre-consumer textile waste.

Support of implementation: Providing practical assistance to the factory in implementing these recommendations.

Principles of circular and reuse-based design: Introducing the basic concepts of circular design and upcycling through meetings, discussions, suggestions, trainings for seamstresses and designers. Training sessions will cover different sewing techniques, upcycling nuances and the properties of different waste materials.

Upcycling Action Plan: Planning future steps to enhance Rivatex's transition to upcycling and exploring ongoing opportunities for collaboration.

Replication potential: Assessing the feasibility of applying this model in other textile mills in Kenya.

Partners

Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn (Estonia)
Moi University (Kenya)

Project duration

01.09.2023 - 01.03.2025 (18 months)

Project is financed by the Republic of Estonia