Government may require recycled materials in textile purchases

This initiative will encompass the generation of waste both before and after consumer use, as well as identifying the sources of waste.

It is being considered by the Centre that a specific portion of textile products in government procurement must be sourced from recycled materials. This is part of an action plan aimed at enhancing the value chain of textile waste and positioning India as a global centre for circular textiles.

The plan involves the introduction of Indian standards and certification for recycling, as well as the establishment of textile recycling clusters. They will examine the potential for making textile recycle products mandatory in public procurement, based on short, medium, and long-term targets.

The textiles ministry intends to evaluate the existing situation regarding textile waste and the associated industry in order to formulate policies that will facilitate India’s role as a global hub for sourcing sustainable and circular textiles and garments. This assessment will encompass the generation of waste both before and after consumer use, as well as identifying the sources of waste.

Additionally, the ministry plans to analyse the industry’s current practices in meeting international circularity norms and intends to engage a consultant for this purpose. The objective is to develop a comprehensive roadmap to expand recycling technologies. The ministry is also aiming to assess environmental impacts such as carbon dioxide emissions, water footprint, and energy consumption.

This initiative aligns with the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan, 2020, which recognises textiles as one of the key product value chains facing various sustainability challenges.

News Source: The Economic Times