Maharashtra: The state government, in partnership with Primus Partners, has launched a strategic plan aiming to shift India’s textile sector to a zero-waste model by 2047. Key initiatives include financial incentives, regulatory frameworks, and the promotion of circular economy practices to address substantial textile waste challenges.
The Maharashtra Government, in collaboration with the consulting firm Primus Partners, has revealed an ambitious strategic plan aimed at transitioning India’s textile industry to a zero-waste model by the year 2047. The report, entitled “Making India a Zero-Waste Fashion Country,” was officially launched by Sanjay Savkare, the Minister of Textiles for Maharashtra, during the Bharat Tex 2025 event.
The research outlines a structured approach to implementing resource efficiency, sustainability, and circular economy principles throughout the textile supply chain, encompassing activities from agricultural production to global market delivery. In addressing the considerable challenge of textile waste, estimated at US $3.5 billion over the next five years, the report identifies the necessity of robust regulatory frameworks, collaboration across the industry, and active participation from consumers to ensure sustainable change.
Key recommendations from the report include establishing financial incentives, such as creating a dedicated fund for circular economy initiatives and offering subsidies for environmentally friendly ventures. Additionally, it advocates for the adoption of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme along with national policy measures aimed at ensuring accountability in textile waste management. Kanishk Maheshwari, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Primus Partners, stated that tackling India’s textile waste dilemma requires “a holistic approach.” This encompasses the establishment of a unified B2B digital marketplace for pre-consumer waste, enhancing consumer education, improving textile labelling practices, and emphasising skill development within the sector.
In a related global initiative, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has launched The Fashion ReModel, which aims to transform revenue generation within the fashion industry by promoting rental, repair, resale, and remake practices as viable alternatives to traditional garment production. Supported by the H&M Foundation, the project seeks to empower participating brands to overcome barriers and scale circular business models, thereby decoupling revenue from new production.
Running from 2024 to 2028, The Fashion ReModel is a research and demonstration project that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage sustainable consumption patterns within the textile industry by fostering a paradigm shift away from low utilisation trends. Brands involved in the initiative will commit to increasing the share of revenue derived from circular business models over a three-year period, with annual progress reports submitted to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Christiane Dolva, Head of Research & Demonstration at H&M Foundation, remarked, “Revenue must be decoupled from the production of new garments and the use of natural resources. Embracing circular business models is essential—there’s simply no credible path to meeting global climate and biodiversity targets without transforming the way business is done.” The project aims not merely to change practices for select brands but to influence the entire industry, providing a roadmap for the widespread adoption of circular business methods.
Jules Lennon, Fashion Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, noted the necessity of progressing towards a circular economy in fashion, stating, “For a circular economy for fashion to become the norm, we must accelerate efforts that not only redesign the products of the future, but also the services and business models that deliver them and keep them in use.” The support from the H&M Foundation for The Fashion ReModel highlights a commitment to innovation and collaboration in achieving meaningful change within the industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
