Taiwan Advances Sustainable Textile Procurement with Focus on Chemical Compliance

On September 19, 2025, the Department of Resource Recycling under Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment recognized 14 organizations for promoting sustainable and circular procurement of textiles. In line with international circular economy trends, the Department encourages public and private institutions to purchase uniforms and group apparel made from single-material textiles that can be recycled and reused.

Suppliers are requested to provide take-back programs, repair services, and product warranties to improve resource circularity and ensure materials can be recycled and reused.

Integrating Chemical Safety into Sustainability Goals

Sustainability in textiles also requires chemical compliance. The Department emphasizes reducing hazardous substances in clothing and adopting green design principles, aligning with international regulations such as the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which from 2027 will mandate recyclability, repairability, and safer chemical usage for textiles and other products from 2027.

By promoting circular textiles and the use of recycled fibers, the initiative also indirectly supports compliance with chemical management laws and encourages safer material use throughout the product lifecycle.

Cross-Sector Participation and Supplier Collaboration

Participating organizations span telecommunications, aviation, finance, retail, research, and public institutions, collectively procuring recyclable polyester garments. Supplier partners provide technical support to ensure garments meet both circularity and chemical safety standards.

Next Steps: Strengthening Circular and Chemical Management

Looking ahead, the Department plans to expand circular procurement, encourage the voluntary use of recycled fibers in manufacturing, strengthen recycled material certification, and implement digital tracking systems for sustainable textiles. These measures aim to enhance both chemical safety and sustainability, supporting a robust local circular textile ecosystem centered on Taiwan’s green brand (gMIT).

For more information, institutions and suppliers can visit the Ministry of Environment’s Textile Circular Zone here or the Taiwan Textile Industry Development Association’s eco-textile platform here.