Max Wong, Director of Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Providing Perspectives and Best Practices with WTO's Working Group on Circular Economy

Max Wong, Director of Sustainability and Social Responsibility, participated in a sharing session with the World Trade Organization’s Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) Informal Working Group meeting held from March 10 to 11, 2025, where the Circular Economy Working Group focused on textiles and the industry during this two-day session.

The Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions, which began in November 2020, aim to foster dialogue on trade and environmental sustainability. These discussions are intended to complement work in the Committee on Trade and Environment and other WTO bodies, in line with the Marrakesh Agreement, which envisions a global trading system that protects the environment and supports sustainable development.

During the session, Max highlighted the Group’s focus on driving positive industry transformation. As part of our sustainability efforts, we have identified three key priorities: Individuals, Planet, and Ecosystem, along with eight action areas. A significant emphasis is placed on “Circularity and Waste Management.”

The Group’s approach starts with design and development, actively collaborating with customers and partners to implement digital sampling, which effectively reduces waste from the outset. We also prioritize extending the life of materials. In 2023, the Group generated over 2,500 metric tons of material waste at our factories, with over 57% being reused or recycled. However, addressing post-consumer waste presents additional challenges, such as logistics and customer acceptance of recycled quality.

In addition to material waste, Max acknowledged the significant pressure the textile industry places on water resources, noting that the dyeing industry alone contributes to 20% of global wastewater pollution. The water stewardship approach at the Group focuses on three areas: Purify, Reduce, and Eliminate.

As we continue our journey towards circularity, we recognize the challenges ahead. Systematic change and collaboration will be essential as we strive to scale these sustainable practices across the industry.