Bengaluru has launched its first Circular Textile Lab in Koramangala to reduce the amount of textile waste sent to landfills. The facility will promote the reuse of discarded fabrics while creating employment opportunities for local tailors and women.

The Circular Textile Lab will collect textile waste from garment manufacturing units and tailoring establishments and process it for reuse. The recovered textiles will be turned into products such as garments and eco-friendly bags, allowing textile waste to return to the production cycle.

The facility will also include a thrift store where products made from recycled textiles will be sold. The income generated through the store will support the workers as well as the continued operation and management of the circular textile project.

To reduce the environmental impact of textile processing, the centre has been equipped with an effluent and sewage treatment system. The system is designed to treat dyes and chemicals produced during processing, helping ensure that textile recycling and upcycling do not cause additional pollution.