DOST-PTRI Promoting Sustainability in Local Fashion

Did you know that by supporting local ethical brands, you help create local jobs, protect the environment, invest in entrepreneurship, celebrate local cultural heritage and revive lost traditions? "Use what you produce; produce what you see". This is the principle behind the efforts of the Department  of Science - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) to pursue sustainability in local fashion practice.

DOST-PTRI Promoting Sustainability in Local Fashion

"Sustainability is producing our own textiles because it's higher in the value chain. Using our own raw materials, having our own local skills and talents, and using our technology and processing here- it's an industry  that can enable more people to come to the workforce." said PTRI Director Celia Elumba.

One example of sustainability model is the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) in Miag-ao, Iloilo where PTRI collaborated with the Iloilo Science and Technology University

(ISAT U) to create a microscale facility that produces blended yarns that assists small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The project, which is supported by the local government of Iloilo, uses natural materials available in Iloilo-positively impacting the environment by not leaving microfibers in the water when washed. In keeping with PTRI advocacy TELA (Textiles Empowering Lines Anew) Pilipinas, they have also partnered with Great Women Philippines tp create and market products commercially and further promote locally made quality textiles.

Celia Elumba, Director IV DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute  spoke about "Sustainability in the Garments and Textile Industry" at the 2nd Philippine Garment, Leather Industries and Textile Expo's Industry Forum last Novemner 5 at the Forbes Ballroom 1 of the Conrad Hotel Manila. 

  

From last year the Philippine Garment Industry Expo 2018 held with the Philippine Textile and Fabric Expo which brought over 81 exhibitors from nine countries and 4,800 trade visitors. This year, the Philippine Garment, Leather Industries and Textile Expo happened last December 5-8 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex,Pasay City was co-organized by the Philippine Exhibition and Trade Corporation and was supported by Textile Producers Association of the Philippines (TEXPAP), LGU Marikina/Marikina Shoe Industry Development Office (MASIDO), Garment Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (GARMAP), DOST-PTRI, and Department of Science and Technology-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR).

Among the local companies who participated this year's event are Armena Embroideries, D & A Edge Polymer Phils. Inc., Golden Island Fashion Accesories, Kelin Graphics System Corp., Printway Marketing and Services, Shanghai Global Corp., and Testex Philippines Representative Office. 

To enliven the country's garments and textile, the PTRI has already developed a number of technologies to assist local businesses in the production and processing of locally made textile and fabrics. With raw materials and technologies now readily available in the Philippines, it is apparent that the Philippines' garment sector is ripe for revitalization.