RGE latest partnership to promote sustainable fashion in Singapore

The Textile & Fashion Federation (TaFF) and RGE have formed a three-year strategic partnership to promote sustainable fashion industry practices in Singapore and the region through program implementation, research, and teaching.

RGE has committed to investing over $3 million in TaFF’s fashion sustainability program over the next three years.

Wilson Teo, president of TaFF, said that their strategic alliance with RGE signifies a step forward for TaFF to develop their sustainable ecosystem throughout the fashion value chain, from materials, production, brands, and technology to solutions. As a model for the industry, they’ve established a steering council that covers the whole value chain. They will continue to assist businesses on their journey to sustainability with the help of their collaborators. They’ll also work with communities to raise awareness about recycling and responsible consumption.

Bey Soo Khiang, RGE’s vice chairman, will serve as vice-chairperson of the program’s steering committee. The launch of TaFF’s fashion sustainability program comes on the heels of Enterprise Singapore’s Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP), which supports businesses in their sustainability efforts and helps them seize new possibilities in the green economy.

Alan Yeo, director of retail and design at Enterprise Singapore, said that industry relationships are important for businesses to improve their skills. As trade organizations and chambers play a critical role in improving sector-specific expertise, they are particularly encouraged by TaFF’s efforts to foster sustainability in the textile and fashion sector. Collaborations with corporate partners like RGE will also aid in the speeding up of this process.” This is a wonderful start, and they hope to see more companies in all industries begin to integrate sustainability with their growth in the future.

The second new relationship for RGE is 5-year research cooperation on textile recycling technology innovation with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore). RGE’s pilot urban-fit textile recycling plant in Singapore will benefit from the collaboration. The research collaboration is planned to be officially launched next year.

Tey Wei Lin, president of RGE, said that as a Singapore-based firm and the world’s largest viscose producer, their business is well-positioned to help the country’s aim to drive sustainable development and establish a green economy. Their engagement with TaFF and NTU is a financial and other resource investment that will have a significant impact not only in Singapore but also throughout the region. They want to work with innovators, industry partners, research institutions, and academia to scale up solutions that will deliver cleaner and more circular cellulosic textile fiber to the masses at affordable prices as part of their $200 million investment commitment in next-generation textile fiber innovation and technology.