New Delhi, May 14: The central government has strongly defended India’s textile recycling system, stating that labeling the country as a “dumping ground” for textile waste is misleading and incorrect. The Ministry of Textiles emphasized on Thursday that India boasts one of the world’s largest textile recovery and recycling networks, built on a long-standing system of reuse and repurposing.
The government highlighted that recent reports from foreign media, particularly concerning clusters like Panipat, focus solely on environmental and labor issues, while overlooking the significant progress made in sustainability, regulatory compliance, and the adoption of new technologies in the sector.
The ministry stated, “It is not accurate to describe India’s textile sector as environmentally negligent or structurally exploitative. This perspective ignores the ongoing reforms and efforts to promote sustainability.”
According to government data, India generates approximately 7,073 kilotons of textile waste annually. Citing the “Mapping of Textile Waste Value Chain in India 2026” study, the government noted that nearly 97 percent of pre-consumer textile waste produced during manufacturing is recycled.
Furthermore, the government dismissed claims that India has become a primary dumping ground for fast fashion waste from Western countries. It stated that over 90 percent of the approximately 7.8 million tons of textile waste managed each year is generated domestically, with imported waste accounting for only about 7 percent.
Referencing a report from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the ministry revealed that the textile waste ecosystem generates around ₹22,000 crore in economic activity annually.
Additionally, the government mentioned a study by researchers from IIT Delhi, which found that textile recycling can reduce environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption, by up to 40 percent compared to new fiber production, based on data from the Panipat cluster.
While the government acknowledged concerns related to post-consumer waste management, informal units, and worker safety, it asserted that the industry is gradually moving towards more formal structures, cleaner technologies, and stricter environmental regulations.
The government reiterated that textile recycling units operate under established environmental and labor laws. Regulatory agencies, such as the National Green Tribunal, continue to take action against units that fail to comply with these regulations.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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