1

Why the project matters

The textile industries are very harmful to the environment and was the third largest source of water degradation and land use in 2020. The sector is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. At the same time, it remains vital for employment and exports in both EU and non-EU Mediterranean countries.
In the Mediterranean area, the textiles ecosystem is highly interconnected within the manufacturing value chains. This impacts the import-export trade, primarily due to the scarcity of raw materials in certain countries (such as Italy and Spain) and the lack of environmentally friendly practices in others (like Tunisia and Egypt).
Therefore, the project will address the sector´s needs to adopt a more circular, energy-efficient, and sustainable approach to minimize its environmental impact and align with the new EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To create a transnational governance model and alliance for greener textile value chains.
• To develop tools and services supporting MSMEs in sustainable textile production and trade.
• To promote shared knowledge, capacity building, and cooperation between chambers of commerce and stakeholders.

3

Expected change

• Enhanced capacity of chambers of commerce to support the green transition of textile MSMEs.
• Improved coordination and service delivery across Mediterranean textile value chains.
• Greater environmental sustainability and competitiveness in the Mediterranean textile sector.

4

What the project delivers

• Inventory of green services and tools for textile MSMEs across the Mediterranean region.
• A Digital Detector platform, co-developed with local hubs, to assess and guide the green transition of textile MSMEs; tested in Italy, Spain, Türkiye, Egypt, and Tunisia.
• One Living Lab in Tunis and five Regional Innovation Hubs set up to connect businesses, academia, policymakers, and civil society for hands-on collaboration and exchange on sustainable textile practices.
• Training campaigns for chambers of commerce and sector associations in the 6 countries addressed by the project.
• Public-private alliances and Memoranda of Understanding to sustain long-term collaboration.
• Transnational bootcamps, study visits, and matchmaking for MSMEs and institutions.

5

Who benefits

• MSMEs in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) sector in Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Egypt, Türkiye.
• Chambers of commerce, business associations, and development agencies involved in green transition in the Mediterranean region.
• Local policy makers and institutions supporting sustainable economic development.
• Citizens and consumers through better environmental standards and sustainable textile production.