On the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Malagasy company ACTUAL TEXTILES, a major player in Madagascar’s textile sector, reaffirms its environmental and social commitments. In a country with one of the richest — yet most threatened — biodiversities in the world, ACTUAL TEXTILES places sustainability and social responsibility at the core of its business model. A commendable strategy in the context of a rapidly evolving textile industry in Madagascar.
The Textile Industry in Madagascar: A Sector in Transition
Textiles are a cornerstone of the Malagasy economy, providing over 100,000 direct jobs and accounting for a significant share of exports. This sector, while dynamic and labor-intensive, is primarily concentrated in industrial free zones and known for its skilled workforce and artisanal expertise.
However, it also places heavy pressure on the environment — through water consumption, pollution, and waste production. In response, ACTUAL TEXTILES positions itself as a responsible textile actor in Madagascar by embracing a sustainable approach that merges innovation, ecology, and social impact.
Textile Recycling: Turning Waste into Sustainable Solutions
At its production sites, ACTUAL TEXTILES has implemented a strict waste-sorting system aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of textile production in Madagascar — a clear reflection of circular economy values and shared responsibility.
Fabric scraps from the production process are carefully recovered and transformed into reusable products with strong social impact. Among these are eco-friendly menstrual kits — including washable pads and reusable menstrual underwear — and warm “Bemiray” blankets designed for the colder seasons.
Beyond their sustainable nature, these products address real needs. The menstrual kits are distributed through awareness campaigns on menstrual health or provided to community organizations, helping combat period poverty and promote hygiene. The “Bemiray” blankets are donated to maternity clinics in the Ambohipanja neighborhood and to local orphanages, bringing warmth and comfort to the most vulnerable.
Cardboard packaging is reused in the logistics chain to reduce resource waste. As for plastic waste, it is collected by local environmental partners and repurposed into interlocking paving blocks. This approach illustrates how Madagascar’s textile sector can become a driver of circular economy in service of society.
Company Gardens: Reconnecting Industry with Nature
To take things further, ACTUAL TEXTILES has created green spaces and shared vegetable gardens within its production and office sites. Open to all employees — administrative and production alike — these areas allow for the cultivation of vegetables while raising awareness about biodiversity conservation.
This is a rare initiative in Madagascar’s textile sector and brings multiple benefits: employee well-being, social cohesion, and environmental consciousness. These gardens are a symbol of the company’s philosophy: every small action matters — and can spark meaningful change.
A Sustainable Development Model for Madagascar’s Textile Industry
ACTUAL TEXTILES’ actions align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By combining innovation, waste reduction, material reuse, and respect for people, the company actively contributes to building a sustainable model for the textile industry in Madagascar.
In a tense climate context and amid dwindling natural resources, ACTUAL TEXTILES proves that it is possible to produce better — with less impact — while promoting social inclusion and protecting ecosystems.
A Word from the Management
“At ACTUAL TEXTILES, we firmly believe that industry — even textile — can be a positive force for the planet. Our environmental commitments, waste recovery policies, and actions in favor of biodiversity are not optional, but responsibilities. On this International Day for Biological Diversity, we call on our partners, employees, and all players in the Malagasy textile industry to join us in this journey toward sustainable transformation.”
— Mezbine HIRIDJEE & Ilann HIRIDJEE
Executive Management – ACTUAL TEXTILES
On this May 22, 2025, ACTUAL TEXTILES reaffirms its ambition to become a model of sustainable textile production in Madagascar — combining productivity, ecological awareness, and social responsibility. A company that shows the green transition in the textile industry is not a dream, but a reality in motion.
