Agro-Industrial Waste as A Resource for Sustainable Textile Dyeing: A Circular Economy Perspective

This report presents the outcomes of the APEC SMEWG 204 2024A project, which explores the potential of natural dyes derived from agro-industrial residues as sustainable alternatives for the textile sector, with emphasis on APEC economies. The study combines bibliometric and patent analyses to map scientific and technological trends, while also incorporating grey literature and expert interviews to capture practical experiences and challenges. The findings highlight the alignment of natural dye development with circular economy principles, environmental sustainability, and innovation-driven growth. Special attention is given to the role of MSMEs, as well as the importance of knowledge transfer and cross-border collaboration in scaling these solutions. The report concludes by identifying key opportunities for policy action, research cooperation, and capacity building, underscoring the potential environmental and economic benefits for textile value chains across the region.