“In Algeria, the big challenge is sourcing high-quality fabrics. There aren’t many patterns available on the Algerian market, as the national textile industry isn’t what it used to be. The majority of fabrics come from China now,” Ouazane explains. But the few importers available are not necessarily concerned with quality prompting the pair to produce their own natural dyes to lessen the impact of chemicals on the environment. The pieces the couple get their hands on they process in an eco-friendly manner using Berber patterns. Thanks to SwitchMed’s support, the two managed to attend key training sessions helping them strengthen their business model based on circular economy principles. They’ve also attended workshops providing training on eco-design principles and silk-screen printing. This helped them also helped them to eliminate chemical waste derived from dyes, value raw material adaptability and adjust their products to market trends.