The fashion industry requires and is currently using many resources, starting from the raw materials to the final product, until the end user- the consumer. During the last two decades, retail, or the “fast fashion” trend, has radically transformed the global market. This industry operates clearly in the linear economic model, and is in the spotlight as the environmental and social stresses continue to increase, leading to increased interest in circular solutions within the industry. Albania has shown for years an upward trend in the sector, having profitability due to the low costs of providing this service to foreign companies. Although with an increasing trend, Albania seems to be unprepared to apply the principles of the circular economy in the sector, mainly due to inefficient design and implementation of adequate policies. In this regard, this paper will shed light on the national legal framework, and on the need to establish a methodology for assessing the sustainability of these businesses, specifically on the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP), as a continuous application of an integrated, preventive environmental strategy towards processes, products and services in order to increase overall efficiency and reduce damage and risks for humans and the environment. This approach, together with the Green Public Procurement efforts, can offer the sector an opportunity to apply the principles of the circular economy in the long term, as well as to increase competitiveness in the European market, which already has a high demand for sustainable methods of production and consumption.
Towards a Green Procurement Policy (GPP) and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) assessment tool for the textile and footwear sector in Albania
Franceska Korance
2022
Abstract
The fashion industry requires and is currently using many resources, starting from the raw materials to the final product, until the end user- the consumer. During the last two decades, retail, or the “fast fashion” trend, has radically transformed the global market. This industry operates clearly in the linear economic model, and is in the spotlight as the environmental and social stresses continue to increase, leading to increased interest in circular solutions within the industry. Albania has shown for years an upward trend in the sector, having profitability due to the low costs of providing this service to foreign companies. Although with an increasing trend, Albania seems to be unprepared to apply the principles of the circular economy in the sector, mainly due to inefficient design and implementation of adequate policies. In this regard, this paper will shed light on the national legal framework, and on the need to establish a methodology for assessing the sustainability of these businesses, specifically on the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP), as a continuous application of an integrated, preventive environmental strategy towards processes, products and services in order to increase overall efficiency and reduce damage and risks for humans and the environment. This approach, together with the Green Public Procurement efforts, can offer the sector an opportunity to apply the principles of the circular economy in the long term, as well as to increase competitiveness in the European market, which already has a high demand for sustainable methods of production and consumption.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
