As one of the most value-added sectors in Türkiye’s exports, the textile industry has accelerated its efforts to increase sustainable exports in the Aegean Region. The ‘Development of Sustainable Competitiveness in the Textile Sector’ URGE project is being carried out by the Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association (ETHİB) with the support of the Ministry of Trade in order to improve the capacities of 18 member companies within the scope of the sustainability theme.
Coordinator Chairman of the Aegean Exporters’ Associations Jak Eskinazi stated that they plan to complete the ‘Development of Sustainable Competitiveness in the Textile Sector’ URGE project, which was launched by the Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association in 2021, in 2024. Noting that 18 member companies are provided with consultancy services on different issues in the projects carried out with the support of the Ministry of Trade to develop their activities regarding the theme of sustainability, Eskinazi continued his words as follows:
“Energy efficiency consultancy was carried out and completed with the participation of 6 companies, Combating Climate Change / ISO 14064 Corporate Carbon Footprint Management Consultancy with the participation of 9 companies and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Consultancy with the participation of 5 companies. Within the scope of our URGE Project, LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) Consultancy service, which is the 4th Consultancy service, was started on October 2, 2023 with the participation of 8 companies and lasted for 7 months. It is aimed to carry out LCA-Product Life Cycle Assessment from Cradle to Grave for products that comply with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards within the framework of the LCA consultancy activity in the project participant companies. Also, it is aimed to compare, calculate and report by applying the LCA scenario in the product composition.”
Textile industry has an intensive sustainability agenda
Pointing out that the Corporate Carbon Footprint consultancy service is provided to the participating companies as the first step in determining a low or zero carbon strategy, Jak Eskinazi said: “As a next step, LCA consultancy service is provided depending on the demand from our customers and our needs analysis result report. We aim to be prepared for the developments that will occur within the scope of the European Union Green Deal and for our companies to be prepared for sustainability-related practices and developments in other markets.”
Eskinazi added that they recently visited a number of companies in Uşak, which is a good example of a cluster in recycling and where member companies that stand out with their investments in the circular economy are concentrated, with the participation of members of the Board of Directors of the Aegean Textile Raw Materials Exporters’ Association, and sector representatives. Eskinazi also announced that they will attend the General Assembly meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) for 2023 at the board level, of which Türkiye is a member. The meeting will be held on December 2-5, 2023 including sessions on sustainability.
“The next six years are critical in the climate challenge”
Reminding that global renewable energy installed capacity needs to triple by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, Jak Eskinazi stated: “This makes the next six years critical in the climate challenge. Among major economies, China stands out as the only country on track to reach its 2030 renewable energy target. Many parties to the Paris Agreement, including major electricity consumers such as the United States, the European Union, China, India and the United Kingdom, have set challenging targets to increase their solar and wind power generation capacity by 2030. With the Green Deal, these commitments have deepened. But data shows that many are struggling to keep pace with the annual capacity additions needed to meet these targets.”