CMAI and Partners Drive Nationwide Garment Collection Initiative to Advance Textile Circularity on Independence Day

Initiative brings industry, government and social-sector partners together to address post-consumer textile waste

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), in collaboration with ReFiber, powered by OterRi, Tisser Artisan Trust, UNIDO and Lions International, has launched a nationwide ‘Freedom from Unused Garments’ collection drive to raise awareness about post-consumer textile waste.

The initiative was launched around India’s 80th Independence Day and discussed during an online stakeholder meeting attended by Textile Commissioner Vrunda Desai and representatives from participating organisations.

Textile Commissioner highlights scale of textile waste

During the stakeholder meeting, Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, said, “We generate around 70 lakh tonnes of textile waste annually, with nearly 58% arising after consumer use. Every discarded garment represents valuable resources such as fibre, water, energy, chemicals, transportation and human effort. Freedom from wasteful consumption, resource inefficiency and unsustainable habits is the need of the hour. I really appreciate this initiative, which provides citizens a simple digital platform to schedule doorstep collection of unused garments.”

The collection campaign is intended to encourage consumers to identify garments that are no longer in use and facilitate their collection through a digital platform.

CMAI focuses on textile waste recovery

Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, said, “Today, we are looking at freedom from waste and freedom from unnecessary landfills. Instead of garments ending up in landfills, we can recover their value through collection, recycling and upcycling. Through this campaign, we are not only protecting the environment but also creating opportunities for social empowerment. By calling upon citizens to donate garments that are no longer in use, we are giving them an opportunity to contribute to a more circular and responsible textile ecosystem.”

The initiative focuses on diverting unused garments from disposal and directing them towards collection, recycling and upcycling.

Collected garments to be channelled for further use

Naveen Sainani, Hon. General Secretary, CMAI & Chairman – ESG, said, “Today is not merely the launch of a waste collection drive. It is the beginning of a moment to change the way we look at textile waste. The collected garments will be channelled towards recycling, upcycling and other productive applications, helping reduce textile waste and minimise the burden on landfills. Collection is only the first step. The real success will come when consumers understand that a garment lying unused in their cupboard can have another purpose.”

Industry and stakeholders urged to support circularity

The ‘Freedom from Unused Garments’ initiative highlights the role of consumers, industry, civil society and government in addressing post-consumer textile waste and supporting the transition towards a more circular textile economy.

The campaign also forms part of CMAI’s ongoing work on sustainability and textile circularity through collaborative initiatives involving industry and social-sector partners.