The textile powerhouse, Tiruppur, India’s largest textile industrial cluster, is making significant strides in recycled fashion. With sustainability becoming a key focus for consumers, Tiruppur’s companies aim to have up to 30% of their business come from recycling sources soon. Already attracting attention from major European brands like Primark, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, and Decathlon, Tiruppur is becoming a sustainable and recycled fashion hub.
Tiruppur’s exports for 2022-23 are expected to reach ₹34,350 crore, with domestic business accounting for around ₹28,000 crore. Of this, recycled products contribute roughly ₹1,000 crore to the overall revenue. While recycled clothes started in India decades ago, it gained momentum in Chennai in the past few years.
International brands like Primark have taken notice and have sent officials to Tiruppur to evaluate the sustainability practices followed by local manufacturers. They are particularly interested in products made from recycled cotton, polyester mixing, and PET bottle recycling. European companies have stringent sustainability standards and demand a 360-degree water, waste, and energy management approach.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public endorsement of the sustainable brand EcoLine Clothing has given sustainable fashion an extra boost. EcoLine Clothing, based in Karur, plans to double its recycling capacity to 4.5 million PET bottles per day with an investment of ₹250 crore over the next five years.
Tiruppur’s success in sustainable fashion comes at a critical time when the industry faces declining sales due to a slump in global demand. However, the increasing consumer consciousness regarding sustainability promises a bright future for the sector.
