European Parliament Delegation Visits Panipat Recycling Cluster to Strengthen India–EU Collaboration on Circular Textiles

A high-level delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) visited the Panipat Textile Recycling Cluster — India’s largest hub for recycled textiles and circular manufacturing — during their official visit to India. The mission comprised seven Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and two senior representatives from the INTA Secretariat, who were on a study tour to understand India’s evolving sustainability ecosystem and explore collaboration opportunities between India and the European Union in the areas of circular textiles and the upcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The delegation was welcomed by Mr Parvinder Kadyan, Chairman of the Global Alliance for Textiles Sustainability (GATS), along with leading industrialists and sustainability pioneers from Panipat and representatives from the Foundation for MSME clusters. The discussions centred on boosting textile circularity, trade competitiveness, and alignment with upcoming EU sustainability legislations, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks. Panipat — often referred to as India’s recycling capital — processes thousands of tons of textile waste every day and is globally recognised for its capability to transform waste into high-quality fibres, yarns, and garments. The visit showcased how India’s textile MSMEs are upgrading technology, compliance, and traceability systems to meet international standards and contribute meaningfully to the global circular economy. The delegation also toured one of the region’s leading spinning facilities, where they witnessed firsthand the process of converting post-consumer textile waste into recycled fibres and yarns — an example of how Indian innovation is enabling cost-neutral, low-impact, and fully traceable circular solutions for global fashion brands. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Parvinder Kadyan said: “Panipat represents the spirit of circularity and resilience. Circularity is a global concept — it cannot be achieved in silos. Everyone has to play their part. With the right India–EU collaboration, we can build the world’s most responsible and resource-efficient textile ecosystem — creating green jobs, conserving resources, and proving that sustainability and profitability can grow together.” The Members of the European Parliament appreciated the proactive approach of India’s textile industry and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in sustainability, trade, and circular-economy innovation between the European Union and India.