Within the framework of the VERDEinMED project, on 29 May 2025 in Skopje, the third meeting of the Macedonian VERDE HUB was held in person. The event brought together representatives from the VERDE HUB’s founding group, with the aim of advancing the circular economy and improving textile waste management.

The meeting was opened by Ivana Savic with a brief update on current activities and project results. Natasha Sivevska, the project coordinator, then delivered a presentation on certifications and social responsibility (CSR) reporting, focusing on how these tools drive sustainability and competitiveness in the textile sector.

Next, Katerina Kostovska, a certified professional, addressed extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and textile waste collection, as well as ESG reporting and its application in business planning and transparency toward stakeholders.

After a short break, the discussion turned to the challenges of textile recycling in North Macedonia, particularly due to the absence of domestic recycling companies. Possible government support mechanisms for circular economy initiatives were considered, along with measures to improve infrastructure and market incentives.

The meeting concluded with a structured discussion and the collection of feedback from VERDE HUB members. The proposals gathered will inform further project activities and the preparation of concrete recommendations related to textile waste management, standardization, and increasing reuse and recycling rates.

With this meeting, the VERDE HUB in North Macedonia reaffirmed its role as a platform for cooperation among local stakeholders working together to put circular economy principles into practice in the textile industry.