Navi Mumbai: A new initiative for recycling fast fashion

Fast fashion is fueling a growing textile waste crisis in India, with over 7.8 million tons discarded each year — most ending up in landfills or incinerators. In Navi Mumbai, a pioneering textile recovery center is tackling the problem by collecting up to 200 kilograms (450 pounds) of discarded clothing daily from 150 residential communities. Garments are sorted for upcycling or downcycling, with absolutely nothing wasted. The upcycling leads to new products such as bags, jackets and soft toys that can be sold. The initiative employs 80 women and promotes a circular economy, but recycling blended fabrics remains a challenge. Experts are calling for an Extended Producer Responsibility policy to make brands accountable.