THE ONLINE SOURCE FOR EFFICIENT TEXTILE PRODUCTION

The e-textile project is intended to contribute to the transformation of the Indian and Vietnamese textile industry first into a more efficient-, and ultimately, a more sustainable industry. The primary goal is to improve the eco-efficiency of textile manufacturing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in India and Viet Nam. This will be accomplished through the development and utilization of an internet-based toolbox, featuring awareness raising, guidance on how to measure and manage eco-efficiency, capacity building, as well as specific technical improvement options. Additional features are success stories, tips, contacts, legal requirements for export markets, links etc.

At the centre of the toolbox is a synergy of three components, namely a 12-step management system on measuring and managing eco-efficiency in SMEs, a database of technical and managerial improvement options, and a distance learning module on eco-efficiency, management systems and textile processing. The target group will be reached through intensive promotional activities for the free access e-textile toolbox, involving authorities and intermediaries, guided by the National Cleaner Production Centres of India and Viet Nam. The main activities include knowledge exchange workshops, development and dissemination of outreach materials, development of the toolbox, as well as its pilot application in textile SMEs in India and Viet Nam. The overall project duration was 18 months. After the project's completion, the toolbox will continue to serve as a platform for information exchange on eco-efficiency among the target groups.

• Wuppertal Institute

• Indian National Cleaner Production Centre - http://www.npcindia.org/cleaner.htm

• Vietnam Cleaner Production Centre - http://www.un.org.vn/vncpc/

• BECO Group, the Netherlands

• UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, the Netherlands