Closing the Loop on Textile Waste

19/12/2023 17 min
Closing the Loop on Textile Waste

Listen "Closing the Loop on Textile Waste"

Episode Synopsis

In this episode of Sustainability Ambassadors, Ronna Chao, Novetex Textiles's Chairperson, discusses her mission to end textile waste and the development of her patented innovation, the Billie! system.Timestamps:00:15 - Welcome to Sustainable Ambassador Podcast00:40 - Introduction to Novetex & Billie! system02:45 - Waht catalyzed decision to develop Billie! system03:25 - Introduction to Billie! system's six steps05:00 - Vision for scale of system, and technology06:30 - Driving for full circularity, not recycling or disposal07:50 - Why fast fashion brands struggle to adopt circularity09:10 - Vision for next five years10:05 - Driving sustainability through family business14:25 - Measuring success 15:30 - Advice to fashion brands to be more sustainabilityAbout Ronna Chao:Ronna Chao is the chairman of Novetex Textiles, CEO of Novel Investment Partners and director of Novelpark Investments, some of the many companies established by her grandfather Chao Kuang Piu, one of the most important figures in Hong Kong when the city was an international textiles centre.Ronna Chao began her career in New York, working as a financial analyst for Goldman Sachs and in licensing for Tommy Hilfiger, before returning to Hong Kong to join the family business in 2010. She has been instrumental in guiding the industry into a more sustainable future with initiative such as The Billie, a pioneering waterless textile upcycling system. She is also the CEO of Bai Xian Asia Institute, an organisation founded by her father, Ronald Chao; the institute runs the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Programme, which pays for up to 100 scholars each year to study abroad at partner universities throughout East Asia.A mother of three, she is also a council member of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, a member of the Board of Directors of Mother’s Choice and a trustee of Asia Society Hong Kong Center. Follow Ronna:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronna-c-2803aa183About Collective ResponsibilityBased in Shanghai, Collective Responsibility is a strategic advisory firm founded by Richard Brubaker, one of Asia’s most recognized authorities on sustainability, innovation and responsible leadership.Founded with the fundamental belief that a sustainable world can only be achieved through awareness of issues, finding tangibility in business cases, and development of cross-sector collaboration, Collective Responsibility acts as a knowledge base, catalyst, and facilitator between stakeholders.Our mission is to:– Create a knowledge base and catalyze discussion of issues related to the development of civil society, business sustainability and social development in Asia.– Develop tangible interests, engagement, and action on issues of sustainability (economic, environmental and societal).– Develop organizational capacity with the aim to help create stable and profitable enterprises.Contact Us:[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.