Initiative aims to cut textile waste and boost circular fashion.
The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), in collaboration with UNIDO, ReFiber, Oterri, Tisser, World Trade Center Mumbai and Lions International, recently launched the ‘Mega Used Clothes Upcyclon’ in Mumbai on World Environment Day. The nationwide initiative aims to encourage consumer participation in used-clothing collection, waste reduction and upcycling.
The campaign focuses on strengthening post-consumer textile waste management, a key requirement for building a circular textile and apparel ecosystem. Industry estimates indicate that over half of textile waste is generated after consumer use, while nearly two-thirds of discarded household apparel ends up in landfills or open dumps.
Smt Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, highlighted the need for joint action by industry, government, civil society and consumers to accelerate sustainability across the textile value chain. CMAI President Santosh Katariya said consumers play a crucial role in extending garment lifecycles, reducing waste and conserving resources.
With support from Tisser, which works with over 20,000 women artisans and workers, the initiative aims to collect 20,000 kg of used clothing and household textiles for reuse and upcycling. It is also expected to create livelihood opportunities for women involved in the upcycling value chain.
CMAI said the campaign marks the start of a larger consumer awareness movement to promote responsible consumption and develop an accessible ecosystem for collection, reuse, recycling and reduction of post-consumption textile waste.