Amman, June 17 (Petra) -- The Jordan Chamber of Industry on Wednesday launched a guide for sorting and collecting textile waste at the source, aimed at promoting sustainable waste management practices in the leather and garment industries and advancing circular economy principles in Jordan.

The guide was unveiled during a workshop organized in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) under the GAIN project, with the participation of representatives from government institutions, the industrial sector and development partners.

According to a chamber statement, the initiative seeks to raise awareness among industrial establishments about best practices in sorting and managing textile waste and to facilitate the guide's implementation across the sector.

The workshop featured a detailed presentation on the guide and its implementation mechanisms, along with discussions on best practices for sorting and collecting textile waste at the source to improve resource management, expand recycling and reuse opportunities, and support compliance with environmental standards and global market requirements.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment Omar Arabiyat said the launch marks an important step toward strengthening sustainable resource management and supporting Jordan's transition to a circular economy.

He noted that the textile and ready-made garment industry is a key contributor to the national economy through its role in supporting economic growth, creating employment opportunities and boosting exports, underscoring the need to adopt more sustainable production practices that maximize resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Arabiyat said sound waste management remains a national priority in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Economic Modernization Vision, stressing that waste should be viewed as an economic resource that can be reintegrated into production processes to generate investment opportunities and increase added value.

He added that the guide provides a practical framework to help industrial facilities adopt best practices in textile waste management, support reuse and recycling efforts, improve raw material utilization and enhance the competitiveness of Jordanian products in international markets.

Arabiyat also commended the partnership between government entities, the industrial sector and international partners in developing the guide, stressing the importance of translating its recommendations into practical applications within industrial facilities.

Jordan Chamber of Industry Board Member and representative of the leather and garment industries sector, Ihab Qadri, said the guide represents a significant step toward institutionalizing sustainable resource management and strengthening the readiness of Jordanian manufacturers to meet environmental requirements and international standards.

He noted that the leather and textile industries are among Jordan's leading industrial sectors, comprising more than 1,000 industrial and craft establishments and employing over 96,000 workers, while making a substantial contribution to national exports.

Qadri said improving waste management systems within the sector is essential to enhancing sustainability and increasing production efficiency.

He added that the guide aligns with the objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision by enabling industrial establishments to implement best practices in sorting and managing textile waste at its source, increasing resource efficiency, expanding opportunities for reuse and recycling, and supporting investment in circular economy projects.

Qadri said the chamber continues to prioritize industrial waste management through partnerships with government institutions and local and international stakeholders, noting that the guide serves as a practical reference for developing integrated waste management systems in line with international best practices.

He expressed hope that the guide would support the sustainability efforts of Jordanian manufacturers and strengthen their ability to meet evolving global market requirements.

//Petra// AJ