RR and IDH collaborate to transform textile recycling in India

Two organizations, Reverse Resources (RR) and Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), have collaborated to launch an initiative in India that aims to create circular value chains with their supply partners. IDH, one of the organizations involved, will provide financial support to brands. This support will help them integrate sustainable practices into their supply chains. Additionally, IDH will offer training on how to segregate textile waste, which is an essential part of the process.

The main goal of this collaboration is to onboard 520 manufacturing facilities, 65 recycling companies, and waste handlers onto the RR platform. This effort will involve approximately 3,500 factory workers. The ultimate objective is to track around 50,000 metric tonnes of segregated waste from its source to recycling facilities by the year 2025.

Both RR and IDH believe that India’s textile recycling industry has great potential for growth. They aim to enhance recycling efforts and improve the quality and commercial viability of textile-to-textile recycled products within the country.

The organizations point out that while premium recyclers are actively seeking high-quality feedstock, a significant amount of valuable textile waste is still being used for low-value purposes. Brands often do not know where their textile waste ends up. Informal waste handling is also a challenge, leading to a lack of transparency and significant waste leakage.

To transition towards circular value cycles, RR and IDH emphasize the importance of formalizing and enforcing compliance in the sector. This is crucial for creating a sustainable and transparent supply chain in the textile recycling industry.

Jagjeet Singh Kandal, IDH’s country director in India, highlights the importance of this collaboration. He mentions that they are introducing new technologies into the supply chain to improve transparency, traceability, and efficiency while promoting recycling. They are actively engaging with brands, supply chains, and government bodies to drive industry-wide transformation.

Ann Runnel, the CEO and founder of Reverse Resources (RR), stresses the significance of a data-driven approach. She explains that it’s not just about increasing textile-to-textile recycling but also about creating a foundation for the fashion and textile industry to manage textile waste effectively in the circular system.