Monastir–Mahdia: Italy Highlights Sartex’s Circular Innovation During Economic Mission

As part of the economic mission conducted in Monastir and Mahdia, Italy’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Alessandro Prunas, accompanied by the President of the Tunisian-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CTICI), Fradi, the Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Tunis, Lucaferri, and the Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Tunis, Prevete, carried out a field visit to the textile company Sartex.

This visit spotlighted a tangible example of high value-added industrial innovation, illustrating the dynamic economic partnership between Italy and Tunisia.

Sartex: A Showcase for a More Sustainable Textile Industry

Sartex has implemented an advanced technological system enabling the treatment and reuse of water employed in washing and dyeing processes.

Thanks to these technologies, the company has significantly reduced its water consumption—an essential achievement in a context marked by water stress and the growing impact of climate change.

This initiative fully aligns with the principles of the circular economy, a field in which Italy ranks among global leaders. The model adopted by Sartex demonstrates that environmental innovation can serve as a driver of industrial competitiveness, particularly in a sector historically known for its high water consumption, such as textiles.

A Shared Strategic Priority Between Rome and Tunis

The reuse of non-conventional water resources is now a shared strategic priority for both Italy and Tunisia.

In the agricultural sector, this issue lies at the heart of the TANIT Programme, integrated into the Mattei Plan, described as the largest cooperation initiative ever undertaken by Italy in Tunisia. The programme aims to address the challenges posed by climate change and to strengthen food security.

Sartex’s experience shows that this priority extends beyond agriculture, finding practical application in the Tunisian-Italian industrial partnership as well.

Institutions, Cooperation and Businesses: A Coordinated Approach

The visit by Ambassador Prunas and representatives of the Italian institutional network in Tunisia reflects an integrated approach combining diplomatic institutions, development cooperation and economic stakeholders.

According to mission officials, this collaborative model makes it possible to respond in a structured manner to major environmental and industrial transitions, while further consolidating economic ties between the two countries.

Through the example of Sartex, the Italian mission to Monastir and Mahdia underscores a form of cooperation grounded in innovation, sustainability and industrial upgrading, at a time when the responsible management of water resources has become a strategic imperative for the region’s economic future.