India Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the issue of textile waste, declaring it a major global challenge. During his Mann Ki Baat program on Sunday, Modi expressed his concern that less than 1 percent of textile waste is recycled into new clothing, noting that India ranks as the third-largest producer of textile waste worldwide.
According to the Prime Minister, the proliferation of fast fashion leads to the rapid disposal of old clothes in favor of new purchases. However, he acknowledged that India is undertaking significant efforts to tackle this issue, with numerous startups establishing textile recovery facilities. Modi pointed out that many initiatives are focused on empowering ragpickers, while others aim to promote sustainable fashion.
He mentioned that used clothing and footwear are being recycled and redistributed to those in need, resulting in the creation of various products such as toys, stationery, bags, and decorative items from textile waste. Modi commended the initiatives supporting “circular fashion brands” and announced the upcoming launch of new leasing platforms for designer clothing rentals. Several organizations are collecting used garments to make them reusable and distribute them to underprivileged communities.
In discussing solutions for managing textile waste, Prime Minister Modi noted that certain cities are redefining their roles. He cited Panipat, which is emerging as a key global hub for textile recycling, as an example. He also highlighted Bengaluru’s innovative use of technology to establish its unique identity, claiming that the city collects over half of the textile waste. Additionally, he referenced Tirupur in Tamil Nadu, which effectively manages textile waste through renewable energy and wastewater treatment solutions.
