The guidelines are said to represent the successful conclusion of a three-year partnership between ABFRL and GIZ and were launched at the Sankalp Bharat Summit 2024 in Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
ABFRL Managing Director Ashish Dikshit said: “Our three-year partnership with GIZ has been a transformative journey that showcases the true power of industry collaboration in achieving meaningful change. The launch of these circularity guidelines marks a defining moment for us and reflects our unyielding commitment to working with the fashion industry on sustainability and championing the development of a circular textile ecosystem.”
Titled ‘Sewing the circle: a roadmap for circular textiles and clothing in India’ the manual provides a detailed framework to support textile companies in their shift from traditional linear production processes to a more sustainable circular economy approach.
It summarizes several projects implemented under the partnership between ABFRL and GIZ, all aimed at increasing sustainability, minimizing waste and improving resource efficiency across the textile production chain.
The guidelines propose practical steps to embrace a circular model within the industry, with a 6R framework (redesign, reduce, reuse, remanufacture, recycle, regenerate). This model serves as a blueprint for companies looking to reduce waste and optimize resource use.
The document also outlines Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for organizations to measure their progress on circularity and suggests alignment with international sustainability standards.
The document contains case studies and proven strategies and is intended as an operational handbook for Indian companies looking to integrate circular principles into their production processes. This includes sourcing eco-friendly materials and engaging consumers in sustainable practices. The aim is to work together to build a resilient textile ecosystem in India.
The collaboration between ABFRL and GIZ was initiated with the intention of mitigating the environmental impacts of the textile sector. During the three-year collaboration, the duo made significant efforts to revolutionize the Indian textile industry.
These include the launch of a comprehensive baseline study on circularity practices, the Circularity Innovation Challenge 2023 to drive environmentally friendly innovations, and a widespread educational program called Decoding Circularity Together, which aims to equip industry stakeholders with the necessary knowledge.
