Most Chinese textile manufacturers are on a green drive tackling water risks and have initiated steps to shift to circular water management models, according to a new report based on an online survey conducted by Hong Kong-based non-profit organisation China Water Risk. About 72 per cent of the respondents see a benefit in moving into a circular economy.

A circular economy is a regenerative system in which resource input and waste, emission, and energy leakage are minimised by slowing, closing, and narrowing material and energy loops.

The report called ‘Insights From China’s Textile Manufacturers: Gaps to Overcome for Clean & Circular fashion’, which was sponsored by C&A Foundation, a global corporate entity to transform the fashion industry, analyses insights collected from an anonymous online survey of China’s textile manufacturers.

The survey found that while manufacturers are moving towards the clean and circular model, they still face significant regulatory, operational and reputational challenges, and knowledge gaps, according to a recent press release from China Water Risk.

About 98 per cent of the respondents said they are taking actions to turn green, 74 per cent are recycling water, 88 per cent have upgraded their wastewater equipment and 84 per cent have upgraded equipment for chemicals.

Manufacturers want more training, more help with sourcing and additional financial support to help overcome their challenges.