CMAI Launches ‘Mega Used Clothes Upcyclon’ to Promote Textile Circularity on World Environment Day
Nationwide initiative targets consumer participation in textile waste collection, reuse and upcycling across India
The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), together with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), ReFiber, Oterri, Tisser, World Trade Center Mumbai, and Lions International, has introduced the ‘Mega Used Clothes Upcyclon’, a nationwide awareness and used-clothing collection initiative aimed at supporting textile waste management and circularity in India’s textile and apparel ecosystem.
Launched during a programme held in Mumbai on World Environment Day, the campaign seeks to strengthen post-consumer textile waste management systems, which industry estimates identify as a significant source of textile waste generation. According to available estimates, more than half of textile waste is generated after consumer use, while nearly two-thirds of discarded household apparel is disposed of in landfills or open dumps.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Smt. Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, emphasized the importance of collective action among industry, government, civil society organisations, and consumers in accelerating sustainability and circularity across the textile value chain. She highlighted the growing need for conscious consumption and responsible disposal practices to reduce the environmental impact of fashion and create a more sustainable future.
Speaking on the occasion, Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI said:
"The transition towards a circular economy cannot be achieved by industry efforts alone. Consumers are a critical stakeholder in this journey. Every garment that is responsibly donated instead of discarded contributes to extending its lifecycle, reducing waste, conserving valuable resources, and lowering environmental impact. Through this initiative, CMAI and its partners have planned to create greater awareness about the importance of responsible consumption and empower citizens to become active participants in India's circular economy movement."
The campaign has been designed to encourage consumer engagement in responsible clothing disposal and strengthen links between collection, recycling, reuse and upcycling networks. With support from Tisser, an organisation working with more than 20,000 women artisans and workers, the initiative aims to collect 20,000 kilograms of used clothing and household textiles for reuse and upcycling.
Organisers stated that the programme is intended to reduce textile waste while generating livelihood opportunities for women engaged in the upcycling value chain.
The campaign forms part of a broader sustainability initiative led by CMAI to promote responsible consumption and establish an ecosystem that supports collection, reuse, upcycling, recycling and reduction of post-consumption textile waste.
Naveen Sainani, Hon. Gen. Secretary and Chairman, ESG Committee, CMAI, stated:
"India's textile and clothing industry is committed to accelerating circularity, but the success of these efforts depends on building an ecosystem that connects consumers, collection networks, recyclers, upcyclers, and manufacturers. This initiative is designed not only to divert textile and clothing waste from landfills but also to demonstrate how discarded garments can be transformed into economic, social, and environmental value. It is a powerful example of how collective action can create measurable impact."
Earlier this year, CMAI organised the inaugural ECO-STITCH Sustainability Conclave in Mumbai with support from the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability Council (GATS), Brands & Sourcing Leaders Association (BSL) and UNIDO, bringing together stakeholders to discuss sustainability, innovation and collaboration within the textile and apparel industry.