In a pioneering move that signals a paradigm shift in India's textile industry, the Textiles Committee, under the Ministry of Textiles, has unveiled a groundbreaking national initiative to tackle post-consumer textile waste. This forward-thinking project aims to establish a robust, community-driven system for the collection, segregation, and repurposing of discarded garments, setting a new benchmark for sustainable textile practices in India.

Led by CEO & Secretary, Textile Committee, Kartikay Dhanda, the initiative envisions a circular economy where discarded garments find new life, aligning with global sustainability standards and setting a benchmark for responsible consumption.

A Shared Responsibility: Addressing the environmental imperative

"It's our responsibility to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come," asserted Kartikay Dhanda, Chief Guest of the session and CEO of the Textiles Committee, addressing the audience at GTTES 2025. Highlighting the environmental challenges posed by textile waste, Dhanda emphasized the urgent need for collective action.

"The sheer volume of textile waste demands immediate action. This initiative stems from our unwavering commitment to sustainability, drawing on the knowledge of over 150 textile graduates and the advanced capabilities of our state-of-the-art laboratories."

Community-Centric collection and collaboration

At the heart of the initiative lies a community-centric approach, designed to foster participation and ownership at the grassroots level. The project’s foundation is built on an efficient collection and segregation system, developed through strategic partnerships.

"Effective collection requires resources, dedication, and collaboration," Dhanda acknowledged. "Our model brings together state and central governments, NGOs, and private foundations, enabling door-to-door collection. This collaborative framework ensures that communities become active stakeholders in the circular economy."

A Scalable Model: National and global Impact

The project’s early success is sparking widespread interest across the country. Municipal corporations from various states are expressing eagerness to adopt the model, recognizing its transformative potential.

"Once the full impact of the initiative is demonstrated, we will publish a comprehensive success story to facilitate replication nationwide," Dhanda shared. "Moreover, European municipal corporations have shown interest in our model, viewing it as a best practice example for managing textile waste sustainably."

Future Innovations: Traceability and informed consumption

Looking ahead, the Textiles Committee plans to introduce innovative traceability solutions to empower consumers in making informed choices.

"We are developing QR code-enabled garments that will offer transparent information about a product’s lifecycle," Dhanda explained. "By making this information accessible, consumers can actively participate in the circular economy, fostering responsible consumption habits."

Beyond Waste Management: Cultivating a sustainable culture

The initiative goes beyond mere waste management it seeks to cultivate a culture of sustainability across India. By transforming discarded textiles into valuable resources, the project not only minimizes environmental impact but also creates new economic opportunities.

"Our vision is to inspire a shift in mindset, where discarded garments are viewed as resources rather than waste," Dhanda emphasized. "This initiative is a source of national pride and a testament to India's commitment to sustainable development."

India's leadership in circular economy

While concluding his address, Dhanda underscored the significance of India’s leadership in driving sustainable practices.

"By integrating innovation, collaboration, and environmental consciousness, we are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. This project is a testament to India's unwavering dedication to circularity and environmental stewardship."

The Textiles Committee’s initiative sets a powerful example of how collective action, innovation, and community engagement can redefine the future of textile sustainability—both in India and across the globe.