Giriraj Singh Visits ‘Weave the Future 4.0’ at Dilli Haat, Highlights India's Circular Textile Initiatives

Ministry of Textiles exhibition showcases upcycling, recycling, repair and circular design through participation of over 100 brands, artisans, recyclers and innovators; exhibition continues until 17 July 2026.

Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh visited the 'Weave the Future 4.0 – Upcycling Edition' exhibition at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, where the Ministry of Textiles is showcasing sustainable and circular textile initiatives. The six-day exhibition, organised by DC Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is being held from 12 July to 17 July 2026 and brings together more than 100 brands, artisans, makers, recyclers, thrift collectives and innovators from across the country.

The Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is hosting the fourth edition of 'Weave the Future 4.0 – Upcycling Edition' at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, focusing on sustainable and circular approaches within India's textile sector.

During his visit, Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh was accompanied by Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooom); Ms. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicraft); Mr Thomas McClenaghan, Minister Counsellor & Head of Sustainable Modernisation, European Union, along with other senior representatives of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Addressing the exhibition, Shri Giriraj Singh said:

"As textile consumption continues to rise, it is imperative that we strengthen circular economy practices, promote responsible production, and scale innovative solutions that transform textile waste into valuable resources. Initiatives such as Weave the Future 4.0 demonstrate how entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability can converge to create both economic opportunities and environmental impact. Equally important is ensuring that the millions of workers who form the backbone of this sector benefit from dignified livelihoods and improved incomes. India is committed to positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable textiles, contributing not only to the nation's growth but also to the world's transition towards a more responsible and resilient textile ecosystem."

Platform for Circular Textile Solutions

Weave the Future 4.0 – Upcycling Edition is the fourth edition of the platform and explores the relationship between materials, communities and the environment. According to the organisers, the exhibition highlights how traditional knowledge, responsible resource use and innovative practices can be combined to create sustainable solutions for everyday living.

Running from 12 July to 17 July 2026, the exhibition features participation from more than 100 brands, makers, artisans, recyclers, thrift collectives and innovators representing different parts of the textile and apparel value chain.

The exhibition showcases initiatives focused on:

• Upcycling
• Recycling
• Repair
• Repurposing
• Circular design

These exhibits demonstrate different approaches to extending the lifecycle of textile materials through creative and resource-efficient practices.

Development Commissioner Highlights Collaboration

Speaking at the event, Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, said:

"Weave the Future has evolved into a national platform that connects India’s handloom and craft heritage with innovation-led solutions for textile waste management. This edition brings together artisans, students, startups, designers, and recycling enterprises to explore collaborative approaches towards addressing the growing challenge of textile waste through upcycling, repair, recycling, and circular design practices that we Indians have followed through generations. The strong participation by young entrepreneurs in Weave the Future 4.0 reflects the growing interest in sustainable consumption and resource efficiency. It also highlights the importance of creating platforms that encourage practical and scalable solutions while generating livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities across the value chain."

Exhibition Features

Visitors to the exhibition can explore a range of activities and displays, including:

• Upcycled and recycled products developed by artisans, designers, brands and innovators.
• Interactive installations focused on textile waste, material recovery and circularity.
• Demonstrations on repair, reuse and recycling.
• Workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions on sustainable design and craft-led innovation.
• Discussions on circular fashion, conscious consumption and regenerative futures.

'Marammat' Workshop

As part of the exhibition, the 'Marammat' workshop was organised on 13 July and will be conducted again on 17 July in collaboration with Rafooghar.

The hands-on workshop uses fabric as a medium to explore rupture, repair and resilience through activities including cutting, stitching, mending and layering. According to the organisers, the workshop encourages participants to reconnect with materials through visible repairs and mending practices, promoting repair as a process of renewal.

The exhibition remains open to the public until 17 July 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi.