As fashion’s environmental toll mounts, these small clothes makers embrace sustainability | Press Releases | Asia

Gonser Group also plans to install 300 kilowatts of solar panels on the factory’s roof by 2026, which would cut electricity use by 40 per cent. And it’s evaluating an automated chemical dosing system that could cut the factory’s chemical use by 25 per cent. 

“We need to reduce our environmental footprint if we’re going to leave a better world for our children and the following generations,” says Ben Miled. 

The work with InTex is part of a broader sustainability push by the Gonser Group. Ben Miled says the company recycles up to 90 per cent of its water. The firm has also certified that more than 90 per cent of the chemicals it uses meet an environmental standard developed for apparel makers. 

Gonser Group is a major supplier to European brands, many of which are facing stricter environmental rules, especially on chemicals use. One of the big benefits of UNEP’s InTex programme is that it helps companies improve efficiency, cut costs, and meet the growing demand from sustainable markets in the EU. 

“Brands are so engaged now when it comes to the environment,” Ben Miled says. “If we want to continue our business activities and expand our markets, we need to invest in sustainability.” 

UNEP’s Tonda agrees.  

“By considering sustainability and circularity in their procurement criteria, international brands can influence changes in the entire supply chain, decreasing the overall environmental impacts of production.” 

Since its launch in 2020, InTex has supported 32 small and medium enterprises develop roadmaps for reducing their environmental and socio-economic impact. Some 230 company representatives have been trained in circularity. The programme is now expanding to India and Indonesia, aiming to work with 60 more business and improve access to financing for small textile makers, which often struggle to get loans.  

The European Union has recognized InTex for its role in building a more sustainable global textiles industry. 

“This is an important programme because it shows clothes makers that it is possible to both protect the planet and bolster the bottom line,” says Tonda. “And it also demonstrates that investing in sustainability can give smaller businesses a competitive edge.” 

UNEP’s work is made possible by flexible contributions from Member States and other partners to the Environment Fund  and UNEP Climate, Nature and Pollution funds. These funds enable agile, innovative solutions to climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Learn how to support UNEP to invest in people and planet.

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