ADDIS ABABA- Proper use of inputs, chemicalsand water would allow companies to enhance their capacity through recycling the waste easily and effectively , experts said.
In an interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Textile and Apparel Industry Research Development Center Chief Executive Officer Abebe Teka stated that Textile and Garment industry is amongst the sectors that has huge waste disposal.
Research has revealed that over 94,000ton of waste is gained from the textile and apparel industry each year. Of which, 54% of the waste is used for various purposes such as mop while the rest would be dumped on lands, he said.
Thus, the Chief Executive Officer emphasized that the need to put a system that recycles this waste product properly. Moreover, the waste management needs to be carried out with knowledge as the waste serve as an input for companies that are engaged in waste recycling.
Lessons need to be drawn from different companies on how to segregate waste to feed the aforesaid companies, as to him.
He further highlighted that there is huge gap in waste segregation in various companies. To this end, he mentioned that a plan is set to adopt different mechanism from well experienced companies in this regard.
Moreover, companies need to focus on minimizing waste as it enhances productivity and competitiveness. “The more we reduce waste, the more we increase our earnings.”
Referring companies that recycle and reuse plastic bottles, he indicated that companies need to give due emphasis in minimizing waste is improving quality. Likewise, they need to avoid using hazardous chemicals.
Buluko Textiles Share Company Dyeing Expert Dereje Merega said that the comp[any has more than 2,800 employees and uses environmental friendly waste management system.
The company has put in place standardized waste management system that clarifies and segregate wastes which is helpful for recycling purpose.
Representing the Board ofEriko Textile and Garment Company that have hired over 1,200 employees, Tefer Worku stated that it produces fabric, yarn and garment after processing and changing the waste from textile factories in to fabrics.
The company recycles waste items into products using recycled fiber, recycled polestar fiber as well as waste cotton. He said after the recycling process, the waste serve as animal fodder.
“Most materials that are imported to the companies are not tested and harmful to the environment. To this end, waste management is becoming major issue in the nation. Our company is established with a vision to minimize environmental pollution through recycling waste in environment friendly way. We are also striving to become 100% carbon emission.”
He went on saying: We are focusing on import substitution. The European Union has also pledged to provide tax incentives. If the incentive is granted, the company with the support of Ministry of Industry would increase its current recycling capacity from 3,000 tons to 15,000 tons per day through modernizing the existing recycling local recycling process.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
