WTC Mumbai Marks World Environment Day with Tree Plantation Drive and Textile Upcycling Initiative on June 5

Industry leaders, policymakers and sustainability stakeholders come together to promote circular economy practices and responsible textile waste management

MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai marked World Environment Day with a Tree Plantation Drive and the launch of Mumbai’s Mega Post-Consumer Textile Waste Collection and Upcycling Initiative, highlighting efforts to encourage environmental responsibility and circular economy practices.

The Tree Plantation Drive was conducted as a symbolic initiative aimed at promoting a greener and more sustainable environment. The programme was attended by Ms. Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra; Smt. Roop Rashi, Chief Executive Officer, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME, Government of India; Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI); Dr. Megha Phansalkar, Founder, Tisser; Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Senior Director, All India Association of Industries; Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade Promotion & Investment, World Trade Center Mumbai; and Mr. Santosh Kotre, Director, Finance and Accounts, World Trade Center Mumbai.

The event also served as the venue for the launch of Mumbai’s Mega Post-Consumer Textile Waste Collection and Upcycling Initiative. The ‘Mega Used Clothes Upcyclon’, a consumer awareness, used-clothing collection and upcycling programme, was introduced through a collaboration between the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), ReFiber, Oterri, Tisser, World Trade Center Mumbai and Lions International.

The initiative seeks to encourage circularity within India’s textile sector by fostering cooperation among government agencies, industry stakeholders, sustainability experts and civil society organizations to address textile waste challenges.

The programme received a special video message from Shri Sanjay Savkare, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, who extended his best wishes and emphasized the role of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges while supporting sustainable livelihood creation.

Ms. Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra, said, “India generates nearly 70 lakh tonnes of textile waste annually, with more than 70 percent being recovered and recycled. We need to create a model where ecological, social and economic benefits are achieved together through responsible waste management, innovation and value creation.”

Mr. Santosh Kataria, Chairman, Sustainability Committee, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), said, “We must transition from a linear economy to a circular economy. The success of such initiatives should be measured not only by the volume of waste collected, but also by the livelihoods created and communities empowered through sustainable enterprise and upcycling.”

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, said, “Approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated globally every year, yet only a small proportion is effectively reused. There is a need to transform waste into wealth through innovation, fibre regeneration, recycling technologies and stronger collaboration among industry, government and civil society.”

Dr. Pankaj Kumar, National Project Coordinator, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), said, “Circular economy principles are increasingly becoming central to economic development strategies, with green jobs, renewable energy, responsible production and inclusive growth playing an important role in building a sustainable future.”

Mr. Manoj Wanvari, COO, ReFiber and OterRi, said, “This initiative marks the beginning of a collective movement towards a circular future. Sustainability is no longer a choice, but a necessity. The future of the textile industry lies in circularity, resource efficiency and responsible consumption.”

The programme included panel discussions on building a zero-waste textile future, covering topics such as textile recycling, upcycling, circular fibres, MSME-led models, traceability and consumer awareness. Participants discussed strategies to accelerate circularity through waste integration into value chains, promoting reuse and repair, designing recyclable products, leveraging artificial intelligence to reduce sampling waste and strengthening cooperation among government, industry and communities.

The event concluded with a call for collective action to support India’s transition toward a circular textile economy. Through the Tree Plantation Drive and by hosting the textile waste collection and upcycling initiative, WTC Mumbai reaffirmed its focus on sustainable development, green livelihoods and environmental stewardship.