PM Modi Highlights India’s Textile Recycling Potential At Bharat Tex 2025, Projects Market To Reach USD 400 Mn

New Delhi, Feb 17 (KNN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Bharat Tex 2025 event on Sunday, emphasising India's potential to convert the challenge of fast fashion waste into a significant economic opportunity. 

Speaking at the exhibition, he noted that India's traditional skills in textile recycling and upcycling position the country advantageously in this emerging sector.

The Prime Minister raised concerns about the environmental impact of fast fashion, stating that fashion waste could reach 148 million tons by 2030, with less than 25 percent of textile waste currently being recycled. 

He cited traditional practices across India, such as creating mats and rugs from leftover fabrics in various regions and fine quilts from worn clothes in Maharashtra, as examples of indigenous recycling expertise that could be scaled up for global markets.

To support this initiative, PM Modi announced that the Textile Ministry has formalised an agreement with the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises and e-Marketplace to promote upcycling, with numerous upcyclers already registered on the platform. 

He mentioned that pilot projects for door-to-door collection of textile waste are underway in cities including Navi Mumbai and Bangalore, and encouraged startups to participate in these efforts to gain early advantages in the global market.

The Prime Minister projected substantial growth potential, estimating that India's textile recycling market could reach USD 400 million in the coming years, while the global recycled textile market is expected to grow to USD 7.5 billion. 

He expressed confidence that with strategic direction, India could secure a significant share of this expanding market.

The event was attended by Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh and Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita, among other dignitaries. 

PM Modi also toured the exhibition, praising the organisers for creating a robust platform that facilitates engagement, collaboration, and partnerships among policymakers, CEOs, and industry leaders worldwide.

Highlighting the international scope of the event, the Prime Minister noted that over 120 countries were participating in Bharat Tex 2025, providing exhibitors with extensive exposure to global markets and enabling entrepreneurs to understand diverse cultural requirements. 

He shared feedback from previous participants who reported significant business expansion and new buyer acquisitions following last year's event.

The Prime Minister urged the banking sector to address the specific needs of textile entrepreneurs to support business expansion and job creation. 

He emphasised that Bharat Tex showcases India's cultural diversity through its traditional garments, from Lucknowi chikankari and Rajasthani bandhani to Banarasi silk and Kanjivaram silk, highlighting that the timing is opportune for promoting the uniqueness of India's textile industry.

(KNN Bureau)