The Empress Story: Zero Waste and Digitalization in the Textile Industry
In the heart of Zenica, a city with a long industrial tradition, the story of Empress d.o.o. began in 2017 – a story proving that textile production can be more humane, more sustainable, and more modern. Today, Empress is much more than a manufacturing company. It is a story of women’s leadership, youth development, and the real application of sustainability. The company is built on the values of responsibility, transparency, and care for people.
Empress employs more than 20 people and produces high-quality textile products, including workwear and home décor, with a special focus on sustainability and waste reduction. For them, “zero waste” is a way of working – leftover fabrics are transformed into useful products such as punching bags that are donated to schools.
The company actively contributes to strengthening the vocational education system in the Zenica-Doboj Canton and is a reliable partner to schools, regularly hosting students for practical training. Their certified mentors provide students with real work experience and support, helping them build confidence and a professional identity.
Modern software such as Optitex and Cloud ERP makes production faster and more efficient – and students work with the same tools as employees. By combining tradition and innovation, Empress shows that the future can be built right here – in Zenica and in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With the support of GIZ, the Chamber of Commerce of the Zenica-Doboj Canton is implementing the project “Improving the Framework for Sustainable Vocational Education with a Focus on Green Transformation,” aimed at integrating green competences into the education system and aligning education with the needs of the economy’s green transition.
These initiatives align with the vision of the German GIZ, recognized for its expertise in promoting sustainable economic development, and are supported through the program “Sustainable Economic Development and Employment Promotion” (SEDEP). SEDEP, co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Government of Switzerland, aims to improve employability in Bosnia and Herzegovina by supporting the digital and green transformation of the economy.
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