Fashion is as poetic as time, like time – it changes, hence it has always been a dynamic industry that has the power to inspire and transform. From high-end couture to streetwear, fashion has the ability to express individuality and capture the spirit of the times. However, the negative impact of the industry cannot be ignored. The fast fashion business model has led to the production of garments at an unprecedented rate, resulting in significant amounts of textile waste and pollution. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. Furthermore, the textile industry is the second-largest polluter of water globally, releasing approximately 20% of global wastewater. These figures highlight the urgent need for change in the fashion industry.

One of the key strategies that can work towards de-carbonising the industry is Recycling. Recycling, irrespective of the industry, can help reduce the amount of waste generated by the industry and conserve natural resources. By reusing materials and reducing the need for new ones, recycling can also contribute to efforts in the industry to reduce green house gas emissions. Recycling halves the value chain there by reducing the carbon footprint. In addition, recycling helps reduce water consumption in textile production, which is essential for promoting sustainability. By adopting recycling practices, textile companies can also reduce the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills, thus reducing the environmental impact of the industry.

The textile recycling industry in India is made up of several small and medium-sized enterprises that enable the entire process of collection, sorting, processing, and recycling of textile waste. Textile waste are collected from various sources such as garment factories, textile mills, thrift shops, and households by these textile recycling units. Post collection, sorting takes place as per type, color etc. The recycling process involves shredding, cleaning, and carding the waste fibers to create yarn, which is then used to make new fabrics and products.

The textile recycling sector in India offers noteworthy economic and ecological advantages. It generates job prospects for numerous individuals, particularly those residing in rural regions, while also curbing the amount of textile waste that typically accumulates in landfills, consequently mitigating the environmental impact associated with the fashion industry.

The GOI has implemented measures to support textile recycling by providing incentives and subsidies to recycling facilities in recent times. This industry is anticipated to keep expanding and become a vital aspect of India’s drive towards sustainability. A noteworthy proportion of the recycled textiles and yarns manufactured in India are exported to foreign nations. Several Indian textile recycling facilities have earned a reputation as dependable providers of recycled textile resources to global markets such as the United States, European Union, and Southeast Asian countries.

These recycled textiles and yarns are in high demand in the global market, especially among eco-conscious fashion brands that are looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional textile production. The exported recycled textiles and yarns are often used to create new garments and other textile products, thus promoting a circular economy and reducing the amount of textile waste generated worldwide.

At Zoglix, we are committed to helping organizations to enable frictionless sourcing from India. Be it sourcing raw or finished textiles, Zoglix can help align the right supplier from India to support your sustainability goals. We understand the importance of reliable suppliers, which is why we have a certified, compliant network of +20,000 suppliers. Our extensive network of suppliers in India allows us to offer our clients a range of sustainable and cost-effective options for sourcing textiles from India. As India continues to emerge as a leader in textile recycling, we strive to be at the forefront of providing innovative and sustainable sourcing solutions for our clients across the globe.