The Government of India is taking a series of measures to strengthen textile recycling, encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy in the textile and apparel sector. The initiatives are aimed at reducing textile waste, promoting resource efficiency and creating new opportunities for sustainable manufacturing across the value chain.
Tex-Eco Initiative to Drive Sustainable Textile Growth
A major step in this direction was announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 through the ‘Tex-Eco Initiative’. The initiative seeks to build a globally competitive and sustainable textiles and apparel sector by supporting innovative technologies and solutions linked to the circular economy.
The initiative will focus on areas such as textile waste management, recycling and value addition. It will also encourage the development of recycled fibres, innovative materials, sustainable packaging and other high-value products made from discarded textiles.
The government intends to implement these efforts in collaboration with research institutions, Textile Research Associations, Centres of Excellence, industry players, start-ups and other relevant stakeholders. Such collaboration is expected to help bridge the gap between research and commercial adoption of sustainable technologies.
Mapping India’s Textile Waste Value Chain
The Ministry of Textiles has also undertaken a study titled “Mapping of Textile Waste Value Chain in India” to develop a clearer understanding of textile waste generation and its movement through the economy.
The study covers waste generated from both pre-consumer and post-consumer sources. Pre-consumer waste includes material generated during textile and apparel manufacturing, while post-consumer waste originates from textiles discarded after use.
A comprehensive understanding of the waste value chain can help identify opportunities for collection, segregation, recycling, reuse and value addition. It can also support policymakers and industry in developing more effective strategies for improving resource recovery and reducing textile waste.
ESG Task Force and Industry-Focused Initiatives
To strengthen sustainability practices in the sector, the Government has constituted an Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Task Force. The task force is examining issues related to sustainable production, certification and exports, with the objective of supporting the industry’s transition towards more responsible and environmentally sustainable practices.
Industry-oriented programmes such as Circular Samvaad and the Cluster Exchange Mechanism are also being facilitated. These platforms are intended to encourage knowledge sharing, collaboration and the exchange of practical solutions among stakeholders.
International Partnerships for Cleaner Production
The Government is supporting several projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of textile production. These include the UNIDO-Global Environment Facility (GEF) project, which focuses on eliminating hazardous chemicals from the textile fashion supply chain.
Another initiative is the UNEP-supported In-Tex India Project, which seeks to accelerate the transition of India’s textile sector towards circularity. The project uses tools such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) to promote more informed and sustainable production practices.
These initiatives can help textile manufacturers assess environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of products and identify opportunities for improving resource efficiency.
Supporting Research, Innovation and Sustainable Infrastructure
Research and innovation in sustainable textile technologies are also being supported under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). The initiative seeks to encourage environmentally sustainable research and development and strengthen technological capabilities within the sector.
In addition, the Government is developing a sustainability framework for PM MITRA Parks, aimed at embedding sustainable practices into large-scale textile manufacturing ecosystems.
Another notable measure is the promotion of upcycled products through Government procurement. An MoU among the Textiles Committee, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) and Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is intended to facilitate greater adoption of upcycled products in public procurement.
Towards a Circular Textile Value Chain
Taken together, these measures reflect a broader policy approach to making India’s textile industry more resource-efficient, innovative and sustainable. By combining policy support with research, international cooperation, technology adoption, capacity building and market opportunities, the Government is seeking to encourage circular economy practices across the textile value chain.
The focus on recycling, recycled fibres, upcycling and sustainable production could also create new avenues for entrepreneurship and technological innovation while helping the sector address the growing challenge of textile waste. The initiatives are expected to support India’s long-term ambition of developing a competitive textile industry that combines economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Also Read: Union Textiles Minister Inaugurates Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology at IIT Delhi
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
