The main objective of the project was to raise awareness of the water use and the water footprint (WF) in the textile sector and to train HEI students and companies’ staff on how to reduce the WF in the textiles industry. Specific objectives of the project were: - To develop a model and an online tool for the measurement of WF in the textiles sector, to be used by companies and HEIs. - To develop Series of seminars for HEI students to help them gain the necessary skills to identify, measure and reduce the WF in textiles. - To develop an open e-learning course for capacity building and developing the skills of textile company employees in the field of responsible water consumption and reduction of the WF in the textile sector. - To prepare the good practices guide on the sustainable use of water in the textile sector. - To bring together academia and industry by involving industrial experts in the development of seminars for students and organizing delivery of lectures by experts from the business world. - To disseminate the project results and raise awareness about the impact of WF on textile industries’ sustainability and efficiency.
The textile industry is water intensive, representing 4% of global freshwater withdrawal. Improving environmental performance in the textiles supply chain is critical for the long‐term viability of the sector as well as the sustainability of ecosystems and communities. The water footprint (WF) is a measure of the appropriation of freshwater for production both in terms of the water consumption or pollution. WF assessment is a structured process to quantify the WF, assess its sustainability and use this information to identify strategic actions to reduce the WF and improve sustainability. Therefore, there is an inevitable need to spread knowledge and inform producers about freshwater use and the impact of their activities. WF assessment includes a comprehensive approach to the accounting of water consumption and pollution and strategic response formulation to address the world’s pressing water challenges. In response to growing concern about the over‐allocation and pollution of water resources, REWAFT aimed at producing results and organizing activities to raise awareness on the WF in the textiles sector and raise the sustainability skills of students and textile companies regarding the sustainable use of water in textiles.