At the Pan-African Association of Recycling and Secondhand Textiles (PARST), advocacy is central to our mission of building a responsible, inclusive and sustainable textile economy across Africa.
We engage governments, regional institutions, private-sector actors, development partners, researchers and communities to promote policies that support textile reuse, upcycling, recycling, responsible secondhand clothing trade and environmentally sound waste management.
Our advocacy seeks to ensure that textile policies reflect Africa’s social, economic and environmental realities while protecting livelihoods, encouraging innovation and reducing the volume of textiles sent to landfills or disposed of through unsafe practices.
Our Advocacy Priorities
Sustainable Textile and Circular Economy Policies
PARST promotes policies that keep textiles in productive use for as long as possible through repair, reuse, resale, redesign, upcycling and recycling. We support the integration of circular economy principles into national and regional development strategies.
Responsible Secondhand Textile Trade
We advocate for a transparent, ethical and well-regulated secondhand textile sector that protects consumers, supports local businesses and safeguards the livelihoods of traders, sorters, transporters, repairers, recyclers and other value-chain actors.
Textile Waste Reduction
PARST works to strengthen policies and public awareness initiatives that reduce uncontrolled textile disposal, open burning and landfilling. We encourage investment in collection, sorting, recovery and recycling systems that convert textile waste into useful materials and economic opportunities.
Extended Producer Responsibility
We support fair and practical Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks that encourage producers, importers, retailers, consumers and waste-management organisations to share responsibility for textiles throughout their life cycle.
Industry Standards and Good Practices
PARST promotes standards that improve textile sorting, storage, transportation, reuse, recycling, occupational safety and environmental protection. These standards are intended to strengthen public confidence and improve professionalism throughout the sector.
Inclusive Green Employment
Our advocacy recognises the important contribution of informal workers, women, young people, small businesses and community-based enterprises. We promote policies that support decent work, skills development, access to finance, social protection and participation in decision-making.
Innovation and Investment
We call for increased investment in textile recycling technologies, infrastructure, research, skills development and circular business models. PARST encourages partnerships that make modern recycling solutions accessible and appropriate for African markets.
Regional Cooperation
Textile recovery and secondhand trade extend across national borders. PARST therefore promotes cooperation among African countries to harmonise standards, share knowledge, strengthen data systems and develop coordinated approaches to sustainable textile management.
How We Advocate
PARST advances its advocacy agenda through policy dialogue, stakeholder consultations, research, conferences, public education, technical submissions, strategic partnerships and engagement with decision-makers.
We also create platforms for members and industry stakeholders to share their experiences and contribute to policies that affect their businesses, communities and the environment.
Our Advocacy Goal
Our goal is to create an enabling environment in which textile reuse, upcycling, recycling and renewal can thrive as recognised contributors to environmental protection, employment creation, industrial development and sustainable economic growth.
PARST advocates for policies that protect people, preserve the environment and transform textile waste into sustainable opportunities for Africa.