Zubeida Zwavel stands out as a pioneer of sustainable development. Founder of the Centre For African Resource Efficiency and Sustainability (CARES), she has been working for over two decades to promote more environmentally-friendly practices in industry in general and in the textile sector in particular.
But what specific challenges do African companies face when they want to adopt more sustainable production models? And how do Zubeida Zwavel and her team support these companies in their transition?
The challenges of sustainable fashion in Africa
Africa is a fast-growing continent, with a rapidly expanding fashion industry. African companies face many challenges in maintaining sustainable practices. Firstly, the he complexity of supply chains is a major challenge. Low-cost Chinese and Indian products are flooding markets, preventing the development of local industry.
Next, thehe lack of resources is a second challenge that is difficult to overcome. The creation of a sustainable textile industry is a major investment that must mobilize a number of players. Many private and national initiatives are to be welcomed. The establishment of federations and collaborative ventures should be encouraged. And finally, competitive pressure upsets an already fragile balance. The need to remain competitive in a global market can encourage companies to prioritize short-term profitability at the expense of sustainability.
CARES: a key player in the transition
To meet these challenges, the Centre For African Resource Efficiency and Sustainability (CARES) offers a comprehensive range of services to African companies. The organization helps companies assess their current environmental impact and identify levers for improvement. By analyzing a product’s entire life cycle, from design to end-of-life, CARES enables companies to identify hot spots and take corrective action.
In addition, the center supports companies in defining circular economy strategies aimed at reducing waste, optimizing the use of resources and creating added value. This initiative facilitates collaboration between companies to share resources and reduce waste. Finally, CARES offers training and awareness-raising programs to develop the sustainable development skills of players in the textile industry.
- Environmental assessments
- Product lifecycle analysis
- Circular economy strategies
- Industrial symbiosis
- Training and capacity building
Zubeida Zwavel’s holistic approach
Zubeida Zwavel advocates a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating environmental, social and economic dimensions. She stresses the importance of measuring the environmental impact of products using tools such as life-cycle analysis. She observes that companies are increasingly motivated to adopt sustainable practices by external pressures.
They are looking to reduce costs by optimizing production and using resources more efficiently. Business leaders must now take into account the environmental costs of their activities and adapt to increasingly stringent regulations. And consumers are increasingly sensitive to environmental issues, preferring products from brands committed to sustainable development. We can consider 3 parameters to take stock of the current situation:
- Rising energy and raw materials costs
- The introduction of carbon taxes and environmental regulations
- Consumer demand
The challenge of overproduction and waste management
Zubeida also highlights the problem of overproduction in the fashion industry, which leads to a considerable waste of resources and an accumulation of waste. The influx of used clothing from developed to developing countries, such as Africa, further exacerbates the situation. To meet these challenges, it is essential to put in place long-term sustainable solutions.
Consumers must be made aware of the impact of their choices, and give preference to sustainable, quality products. Companies must adopt circular production models, aiming to reduce waste, reuse materials and extend product life. Governments must put in place policies that encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and support circular economy initiatives. Businesses, governments, NGOs and consumers must work together to find sustainable solutions.
Zubeida Zwavel and CARES play an essential role in the transition to more sustainable fashion in Africa. Their holistic and pragmatic approach, combined with their expertise in sustainable development, enables them to support African companies in implementing more environmentally-friendly practices. By acting together, we can build a future where fashion is both creative and responsible.
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