The Global Recycling Challenge of Plastic and

TextilesIMPACTS, CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN GHANA

#WRF19

28.83 million people

1.7 billion tons of waste annually 46,000 MT is Textile 1.7 Million MT is

Plastic

Imports 30,000 MT of used clothing each year 60% of all clothing

purchases

Import 2.58 Million MT of Plastic 73% ends as waste

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Lifestyle Changes

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CHANGE IN TEXTILES AND LIFESTYLE

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2010-2019

2000-2009

32,000 Jobs

1,500 Jobs

Plastics 3.3%

Plastics 14%

734 million MT

1.7 billion MT

Accra Metropolitan Assembly 2009, 2017Department of Labor and Employment 2016

SHIFT TO A DISPOSABLE LIFESTYLE

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CHEAP MATERIALS

• Second Hand Clothing is <80% cheaper

• Plastic Packaging cost a fraction of paper packing

• Clothing readily available

EMPLOYMENT

• Second Hand Clothing Employs 150,000 Ghanaians

• Plastic Factories Employ 1.2 million directly and indirectly

SHORT LIFE CYCLES

• Materials not intended for reuse or repair

• Second hand clothing not durable

• Poor import quality contributes to instant waste

CHALLENGES OF RECYCLING SECOND HAND CLOTHING

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LACK OF LOCAL EXPERTISE

• Education still focuses mainly on traditional fabrics

• Limited understanding of sustainable fashion and its applications

• No real data on types of materials currently in system

COST

• High cost of electricity

• Lack of subsidies/support for creation of local textile industry

LACK OF TECHNOLOGY

• Lack of available processes to harness value of local materials

• Limited ideas on traditional fabric and fashion

• Limited knowledge exchange and support for the industry

CLOSING THE LOOP: ACTION IN GHANA

• POLICIES TO DETER SECOND HAND CLOTHING• VAT Subsidy for Local Textiles• Task Force to ensure duties are being paid• Ban on certain products (underclothing and

socks)• OTHER GOVERNMENT RESPONSES

• Friday Wear- Encouraging the Wearing of Traditional Fabrics

• AGI suggested an anti-dumping authority to inspect all second hand clothing

• Greater Collaboration with sustainable brands to help improve local knowledge

• Investment in technology to help streamline processes involved in creation of local fabrics

• Diversification of fashion training for designers and tailors

SUGGESTED FUTURE ACTIONS

Thank you for your attention.Are there any questions?

CONTACT:

Cordie Aziz, Environment360

Cordie.aziz@environment360gh.org

ENVIRONMENT360

ACCRA, GHANA

www.environment360gh.org

www.environment360gh.org