Delhi, India, February 17, 2025 – Primus Partners, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, has released a thought leadership report outlining a roadmap for transforming India’s textile industry into a zero-waste sector by 2047. The report, titled “Making India a Zero-Waste Fashion Country”, was launched at Bharat Tex 2025 by Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Mr. Sanjay Savkare, with Maharashtra serving as the Knowledge Partner.
The report presents a strategic framework to integrate sustainability, circular economy principles, and resource efficiency across the entire textile value chain – from farm to foreign markets. The economic opportunity in tackling textile waste is estimated at $3.5 billion over the next five years, with the potential to create 1 lakh jobs. Achieving this goal requires a combination of policy support, industry collaboration, and consumer awareness.
Government & Industry Leadership
The report was enriched by contributions from key dignitaries and leaders, including:
- Shri Devendra Fadnavis – Chief Minister of Maharashtra
- Shri Eknath Shinde – Deputy Chief Minister
- Shri Ajit Pawar – Deputy Chief Minister
- Shri Udit Samant – Industry Minister
- Shri Sanjay Savkare – Textile Minister
- Smt. Anshu Sinha – Principal Secretary, Textiles, Cooperation, Marketing & Textiles Department
Their insights reaffirm the government’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable textiles.
Challenges & Opportunities in Sustainable Textiles
The report identifies key barriers to adopting sustainable practices in India’s textile industry, including:
Financial constraints for sustainability adoption
Limited use of green technologies
Skill gaps in sustainable textile production
Low awareness & demand for eco-friendly products
Fragmented policies affecting implementation
Rise of ultra-fast fashion driven by social media trends
To address these challenges, the report introduces the 5F Approach:
Farm – Promoting organic and sustainable farming
Fiber – Supporting eco-friendly fiber production
Factory – Encouraging waste-reducing manufacturing practices
Fashion – Advocating circular fashion and conscious consumerism
Foreign – Aligning Indian textiles with global sustainability standards
This holistic approach ensures that sustainability is embedded at every stage of the textile supply chain, reducing environmental impact and boosting India’s position as a global sustainable textile hub.
Key Recommendations for a Zero-Waste Future
The report provides concrete recommendations, including:
Financial Incentives – Subsidies for green initiatives & a dedicated fund for circular economy projects
Textile Waste Management – Establishing Textile Waste Collection Centres to enhance recycling & repurposing
Regulatory Framework – Developing a National Policy for Sustainable Textiles & an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme
Consumer Awareness – Public education campaigns & eco-friendly fashion initiatives
Skill Development – Training programs to equip the workforce for a sustainable textile future
These initiatives aim to position India as a pioneer in zero-waste fashion, setting a global benchmark for sustainable textile production.
Industry Leaders Speak on the Future of Zero-Waste Fashion
Kanishk Maheshwari, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Primus Partners, expressed optimism about India’s transformation, stating:
“We are deeply grateful for the support of Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Shri Eknath Shinde, Shri Ajit Pawar, and the visionary industry leaders and academicians who have contributed to this mission. Achieving a zero-waste future requires a comprehensive approach, including a B2B digital marketplace for pre-consumer waste, revised textile labeling, and consumer education. The introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme will be a game-changer, holding producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products and reinforcing India’s leadership in the sustainable, circular economy.”
With strong policy action and collaboration, India is on the path to becoming a zero-waste fashion country, creating economic opportunities while safeguarding the environment.