The Business Bytes
Varanasi, November 29, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), unveiled India’s first circularity guidelines for the textile and apparel industry at the prestigious Sankalp Bharat Summit 2024 in Varanasi. This landmark launch was graced by industry stalwarts, government officials, and sustainability experts, marking a pivotal step toward reshaping the Indian textile sector with a focus on sustainability and circular economy principles.
Titled “Stitching the Circle: A Roadmap for Circular Textiles & Apparel in India,” the guidelines present a comprehensive framework to aid businesses in transitioning from traditional linear models to a sustainable circular economy. This milestone culminates a transformative three-year partnership between ABFRL and GIZ, reflecting their shared vision of advancing sustainability, reducing waste, and fostering resource efficiency in the textile value chain.
The collaboration between ABFRL and GIZ began with the ambitious goal of addressing the environmental challenges posed by the textile industry. Over the course of their three-year partnership, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL) and GIZ have undertaken several impactful initiatives to advance circularity in India’s textile sector. These include conducting comprehensive baseline assessments to evaluate the current state of circularity within the industry, launching the Circularity Innovation Challenge 2023 to foster innovative and sustainable solutions, and organizing nationwide training programs such as “Decoding Circularity Together” to empower stakeholders across the textile value chain. The partnership also implemented pilot projects to integrate circular solutions into the textile supply chain, with their results documented through compelling narratives to raise awareness and inspire further action.
Ashish Dikshit, Managing Director of ABFRL, emphasized, “Our partnership with GIZ has been transformative, showcasing the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. These guidelines represent our unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable and circular textile ecosystem.”
Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer of ABFRL, added, “The circular guidelines and initiatives created with GIZ provide a holistic framework for the industry, benefiting both the environment and society.”
Meghana Kshirsagar, Senior Advisor at GIZ India, highlighted, “This cooperation has immense potential to scale circular economy approaches in India’s textile industry. Combining public and private sector strengths creates a win-win scenario for both local communities and businesses.”
The guidelines introduce actionable strategies under the 6R Approach—Redesign, Reduce, Reuse, Remanufacture, Recycle, and Regenerate—enabling businesses to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency.
Additionally, the document outlines Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for measuring circularity within organizations and aligning with global sustainability certifications. It provides practical tools, including case studies and best practices, to support businesses in integrating circularity into every stage of production, from sourcing sustainable materials to promoting consumer engagement in circular practices.
The launch of “Stitching the Circle” sets a benchmark for India’s textile sector, underscoring the potential of circular business models to drive innovation, reduce environmental impact, and ensure sustainable growth. ABFRL and GIZ remain committed to empowering stakeholders, scaling pilot projects, and promoting the adoption of circular practices across the industry.
