Clothing Waste Management: Supporting Extended Producer Responsibility in UAE

This research explores the feasibility of implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) to address the growing challenge of clothing waste management in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With an increasing population and rising disposable incomes running the fashion industry, the UAE presents a viable market for recycled textile products. This research examines global practices of EPR in the textile sector, highlighting government-driven initiatives aimed at reshaping waste management in fast fashion.
The study employs online questionnaire to 65 consumers across various Emirates in the UAE to gauge general behaviors regarding clothing disposal. The results underscore a critical need for targeted government interventions to foster a recycling culture among UAE consumers. Key findings reveal that 60% of respondents cite lack of information as a barrier to recycling, suggesting opportunities for improved communication and education on recycling benefits and options.The findings indicate significant gaps in clothing collection, sorting, and recycling capabilities within the UAE, attributed to inadequate infrastructure, consumer behaviors, and limited sectoral collaboration in recycling initiatives.
The research underscores the potential of EPR frameworks to enhance sustainability in the UAE's fashion industry, advocating for integrated approaches to manage both pre-consumer and post-consumer textile waste effectively.