Puneet Dudeja on India’s Circular Fashion Economy in 2025

A Nation at the Crossroads of Sustainability and Growth

India, with its $108 billion fashion and textile market, is both a major player in global fashion and a significant contributor to environmental challenges. The country produces over 62 million tons of waste annually, with textiles accounting for a substantial share. Globally, the fashion industry generates 92 million tons of waste each year and is responsible for 10% of carbon emissions. India’s population growth and rapid urbanization are projected to double waste levels by 2030, making sustainability in fashion and packaging an urgent priority.

However, this challenge presents an opportunity for India to pioneer innovative, scalable solutions that combine its traditional textile heritage with modern sustainability practices. By adopting circularity—a model emphasizing reuse, recycling, and waste minimization—India can revolutionize its approach to fashion and packaging while contributing to global climate goals.

Long-Term Design Strategies for Sustainable Fashion in India

India’s rich textile heritage and evolving consumer preferences create a unique opportunity to adopt long-term design strategies for sustainable fashion. With increasing awareness of environmental issues and government initiatives like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, the fashion industry must focus on durability, care, customization, and circularity. Here’s how these strategies can be implemented within the Indian context:

1. Designing for Durability

Durability resonates with Indian consumers who value garments that withstand repeated use, reflecting a “value-for-money” ethos. The growing popularity of thrift stores and rental platforms also underscores the need for robust products.

Actions

• Material Selection: Leverage India’s expertise in natural fibers like cotton and wool, ensuring they pass tests for tensile strength, shrinkage, and abrasion.
• Product Construction: Apply reinforced stitching and reduce design complexities to enhance product lifespan, especially in high-use categories like ethnic wear.
• Durability Standards: Collaborate with domestic testing bodies to establish standardized metrics for durability in alignment with international benchmarks.

In action inspiration
Indian brands can draw inspiration from Lacoste’s durability protocols and Uniqlo’s fabric innovation to create long-lasting apparel suited for local climates.

2. Encouraging Consumer Care and Repair

Indian consumers often hold emotional connections with their clothing, particularly in traditional attire like sarees and sherwanis. Encouraging care and repair aligns with this sentiment while promoting sustainable practices.

Actions

• Care Labeling: Incorporate multilingual labels to guide consumers on proper laundering practices, promoting cold washes and air drying to conserve water and energy.
• Repair Services: Introduce accessible repair workshops, both in-store and community-led, to support garment longevity.
• Aftercare Education: Use digital platforms and local influencers to share garment care tips, integrating traditional repair methods like darning and patchwork.

In action inspiration: Inspired by Marks & Spencer and Primark, Indian brands could offer repair kits for commonly worn items such as kurtas and denim.

3. Customization and Fit for Longevity

With a culturally diverse customer base, India requires garments adaptable to varying body types and regional preferences. Customization and adjustability can enhance emotional and physical longevity, particularly in festive and formal wear.

Actions

• Adaptable Sizing: Offer adjustable ties, elasticated waists, and generous seam allowances in garments like lehengas and salwar suits.
• Modular Design: Introduce versatile pieces such as jackets with detachable linings or reversible kurtas to cater to multi-use occasions.
• Tech-Enabled Fit: Explore body scanning technology to provide accurate and personalized fits, catering to India’s burgeoning e-commerce sector.

In action inspiration
Indian brands can emulate Good American’s stretchable denim or Marfa Stance’s modular outerwear, integrating these principles into ethnic and fusion wear.

4. Circular Business Models: Rental and Resale

The rental and resale markets in India are on the rise, especially for occasion-specific attire like bridal wear. Circular models offer a sustainable solution to address the fast fashion crisis.

Actions

• Rental Partnerships: Partner with rental platforms specializing in traditional and festive wear to expand offerings and ensure durability standards are met.
• Resale Programs: Launch take-back schemes for preloved garments, offering discounts or store credits, especially for high-value items like sarees and branded denim.
• Recycling Initiatives: Use mono-materials to facilitate recycling while leveraging India’s recycling hubs to repurpose discarded textiles.

In action inspiration
Inspired by Patagonia and HURR, Indian retailers could integrate circularity by reselling gently used garments or creating rental spaces for designer ethnic wear.

Sustainability and Circularity in the Indian Fashion Industry: Designing for a Future That Disappears

As the Indian fashion industry grapples with its environmental impact, the need to design products that can safely disappear at the end of their life has never been more urgent. With the global textile industry contributing 92 million tonnes of waste annually, the challenge for India is to innovate sustainable solutions that align with its unique socio-economic and cultural landscape.

This section explores three pivotal strategies to revolutionize Indian fashion while tackling waste and pollution.

1. Made to Biodegrade

India’s textile market is heavily reliant on non-biodegradable materials like polyester and nylon, widely used in sarees, sportswear, and formal attire. While these materials are durable, they are resistant to decomposition, exacerbating landfill waste. Innovations in biodegradable alternatives, however, offer promising solutions.

Opportunities

• Nylon Innovations: Indian brands could adopt Fulgar SpA’s Amni Soul Eco (Italy), a biodegradable nylon that degrades in anaerobic landfills in five years. With applications in hosiery, activewear, and even ethnic wear linings, this could revolutionize high-use garment categories.
• Polyester Alternatives: Incorporating OceanSafe’s Cradle-to-Cradle-certified polymer or BioWorks’ sugarcane-based PLA fiber could address the demand for quick-drying and breathable materials in activewear and casualwear segments.

Challenges

• Despite these innovations, the Indian market must address the high costs of such materials and ensure scalability for mass adoption.
• Toxic dyes commonly used in Indian textiles hinder biodegradability, emphasizing the need for sustainable dyeing solutions.

2. Certified Compostable Products

Composting offers an eco-friendly disposal method for textiles, converting waste into resources for soil enrichment. While India has a strong tradition of natural fibers like cotton and silk, synthetic blends dominate the market, delaying decomposition and releasing harmful chemicals.

Opportunities

• Biodegradable Polymers: Materials like Celys (certified compostable polyester) and Kintra bio-based polyester present a breakthrough in creating compostable fabrics for India’s burgeoning athleisure and innerwear markets.
• Natural Fiber Integration: Leveraging cotton, wool, and linen in certified compostable apparel could align well with India’s handloom and Khadi industries, strengthening their eco-credentials.

Implementation

• Provide consumers with clear composting instructions and incentives, including take-back schemes for end-of-life garments.
• Partner with local waste management initiatives to build composting infrastructure, creating job opportunities and closing the waste loop.
  
  

3. Dissolve to Disassemble

Designing garments for easy disassembly ensures cost-efficient recycling and minimizes landfill contributions. India’s vast market for affordable fashion, however, presents unique challenges in adopting such innovative approaches.

Opportunities

• Heat-Dissolvable Threads: Resortecs’ Smart Stitch and Coats Group’s EcoCycle water-soluble threads could transform garment construction in India, particularly for denim and ethnic wear.
• Mono-Material Products: Encouraging the use of single-material garments, as seen with brands like H&M and Helly Hansen, could streamline recycling processes for widely-used categories like casualwear and outdoor apparel.

Challenges

• Consumer education and industry training on dismantling processes will be critical to ensuring the success of such designs in India.
• Achieving the desired performance and aesthetic qualities in mono-material fabrics remains a hurdle.

Specific Action Points for India

1. Promote R&D: Invest in innovations like biodegradable synthetics and compostable textiles, tailoring solutions for India’s climate and usage patterns.
2. Educate Consumers: Simplify disposal guidelines and build awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion.
3. Collaborate for Circularity: Foster partnerships between designers, manufacturers, and policymakers to create a cohesive framework for sustainable practices.
4. Leverage Tradition: Integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability innovations to redefine India’s global textile narrative.

The Imperative for Sustainable Innovation in India

India generates over 62 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which only 30% is processed, according to recent estimates. With urbanization and consumption trends on the rise, this figure is expected to double by 2030. This makes the following framework not just a necessity but an opportunity for Indian businesses to innovate and redefine waste management practices.

Strategies for Integration

1. Rethinking Business Models

Indian businesses must adopt long-term strategies that integrate ecological, social, and cultural values. For instance, envisioning a legacy beyond profits can align brands with India’s sustainability ethos. Backcasting—a method that starts with a desired future and works backward—can guide businesses to establish actionable plans.

Case Example: A hypothetical Indian start-up could draw inspiration from Sweden’s Benim Denim, which planned its shutdown after using a single roll of repurposed deadstock denim. This approach could resonate with Indian consumers who value sustainability and transparency.

2. Reimagining the Design Process

Designing products with end-of-life in mind is pivotal. Indian brands can adopt biodegradable materials and invest in research collaborations with academic institutions. Sustainable packaging, like edible bowls by South Africa’s Munch Bowls, can find applications in India’s robust food delivery sector, reducing single-use plastics.

3. Simplifying Disposal and Rewarding Participation

In India, where informal waste recycling is prevalent, businesses can support localized waste disposal solutions. Collaborating with municipalities to establish recycling hubs or launching take-back programs can create sustainable loops.

In Action: Inspired by The North Face Renewed program, Indian apparel brands could incentivize customers with credits for returning old garments, enabling refurbishment or recycling.

4. Experimenting with Scale

Small changes can lead to significant impact. Indian businesses can explore multi-purpose products, like large-format, gender-inclusive personal care items, reducing the need for multiple SKUs.

Future Potential: A fragrance brand could adopt biodegradable packaging that doubles as a usable product, akin to Arpa Studios’ glycerine soap containers. Such innovations resonate with India’s cost-conscious and eco-aware consumers.

Sustainability and Circularity in India: Rethinking Feel Appeal for the Future

In the Indian textiles and fashion ecosystem, tactile, furry, and plush materials have captured consumers’ desire for comfort and indulgence. Yet, these materials pose environmental and ethical dilemmas, such as animal welfare concerns, microplastic pollution, and carbon emissions. Addressing these challenges in the Indian context requires innovative strategies that align with global insights.

Here’s how buying and design strategies, natural fibers, and bio-based innovations can transform India’s textile industry into a model of sustainability and circularity.

1. Buying and Design Strategies for a Greener Future

• Switching to Alternatives: Indian brands can phase out virgin synthetic faux furs and explore materials like GRS-certified recycled fibers or innovative bio-based synthetics. Utilizing plant-based alternatives such as nettle, hemp, or agri-waste fibers can cater to the growing demand for vegan and eco-friendly products.
• Tactile Design Innovations: Incorporating fur-like textures through advanced techniques such as laser-cutting, tufting, or using fancy yarns can mimic luxury without compromising sustainability. For instance, developing local craft-inspired plush textiles could also add a unique identity to Indian brands.
• Circular Material Choices: Prioritizing recycled synthetic fibers for affordable mass production, while investing in premium natural fibers like RWS-certified wool, enables both affordability and luxury in the Indian market.
  
  

2. Natural Fibers: The Indian Advantage

• Regenerative Farming Practices: With India’s deep agricultural roots, fibers like cotton, wool, and jute sourced from regenerative farms can enhance traceability and ensure ethical sourcing. This aligns with Woolmark’s guidelines on ethical wool practices, making premium biodegradable fibers a viable option.
• Plant-Based Innovations: Homegrown materials such as Faborg’s Weganool (a Calotropis-based alternative to wool) demonstrate India’s potential to lead in plant-based fiber development. These options resonate with both rural manufacturing capabilities and urban consumer preferences for sustainable products.

3. Bio-Based Innovations: Future-Forward Textiles

• Biosynthetics for Scale: Emerging biosynthetic solutions like Koba faux fur and Spiber’s brewed protein can be piloted in India’s burgeoning luxury market. With a growing emphasis on animal welfare, these alternatives reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining plush aesthetics.
• Lab-Grown Materials: As global pioneers like Geneus Biotech develop lab-grown fur, Indian startups can leverage this trend to create high-tech, ethical alternatives that cater to both export and domestic markets.
• Localized R&D for Circularity: Indian research institutions and textile clusters can focus on developing and scaling bio-based materials that address the dual challenge of affordability and environmental impact. Collaborations with innovators like Pangaia or PrimaLoft can also introduce globally proven solutions into Indian production.

Building a Circular Fashion Ecosystem

India’s diverse textile industry, from handlooms to high-tech manufacturing, has a unique opportunity to lead the sustainability and circularity movement. By integrating global best practices with local innovations, the industry can reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining its rich heritage.

This dual approach not only addresses consumer preferences for “Feel Appeal” but also positions India as a leader in sustainable fashion solutions, paving the way for a circular and inclusive textile economy.

Sustainability and Circularity in Packaging: India’s Path Forward

In the global discourse on sustainability, India’s role in addressing the challenges posed by packaging waste stands out as both a necessity and an opportunity. With its vast population and burgeoning consumer base, the country generates significant amounts of packaging waste, much of which stems from single-use plastics. As global and domestic policies evolve to combat climate change, the shift toward circular packaging presents a transformative solution.

Circular Packaging: The Future of Sustainable Design

Circular packaging emphasizes sustainability by reducing waste, rethinking materials, and reimagining the lifecycle of packaging. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, adopting circular packaging systems globally could reduce CO₂ emissions by 69% and waste by 76%, highlighting the immense potential for environmental impact.

These key strategies provide a blueprint for innovation in packaging:

1. Designed to Last – Refillable Solutions
   Encouraging refillable packaging systems can drastically reduce the demand for single-use materials. India, with its rich history of reusability (e.g., milkman deliveries and returnable bottles), can scale these traditional practices using modern technologies.

For instance:

• Supermarkets could adopt refill stations for staples like grains, spices, and oils, incentivizing consumers with discounts.
• Brands like Puracy and Dr. Bronner have leveraged refillable models, offering aluminum cans and biodegradable options that align with India’s emerging sustainability ethos.
  
  > Designed to Disappear
  Biodegradable packaging is another frontier. Materials such as plant-based coatings, bamboo, or pulp derived from agricultural waste resonate with India’s reliance on natural resources. Startups in India could look at adapting solutions like Morro’s plant-based edible films, which dissolve in water, or Saveggy’s coatings for preserving fresh produce without plastic.
  
  > Recycling Reimagined
  India’s informal recycling sector plays a crucial role, but technological advancements can make recycling more efficient and equitable. Encouraging collaborations with companies like Plastic Bank or adopting molecular recycling systems could increase India’s recycling capacity.

For example, setting up QR-code-based platforms like Recycle Check could guide consumers on how to dispose of packaging responsibly.

> Material Innovation
Innovative materials such as those developed by Shellworks or Empa—derived from waste like tapioca starch or beer brewing residue—align with India’s agricultural base and abundant food processing industries. Leveraging these materials for localized use could reduce dependency on virgin resources.

> Returnable Packaging Systems
Inspired by global practices, Indian e-commerce and food delivery giants can explore returnable packaging. Models like Burger King’s returnable packaging pilot in Germany could be adapted to urban Indian markets, fostering a culture of reuse.

The adoption of circular packaging isn’t just about compliance with global trends; it’s a necessity for India’s environmental resilience. With nearly 46% of plastic waste in India coming from packaging, transitioning to circularity can mitigate the environmental degradation caused by landfills and water pollution.

Legislation such as India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules already emphasizes extended producer responsibility (EPR). Circular packaging innovation aligns seamlessly with these regulations, offering businesses a path to compliance and sustainability.

India has the opportunity to emerge as a leader in circular packaging by integrating traditional practices with cutting-edge innovations. By adopting refillable systems, biodegradable materials, and scalable recycling technologies, the nation can set benchmarks for sustainable development while contributing significantly to global climate goals. Circular packaging is the cornerstone of a greener, more resilient India.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Circular Innovation

India stands at the threshold of a transformative shift in fashion and packaging. With the integration of long-term durability strategies, repair-friendly designs, customization, circular business models, and sustainable packaging, the nation can redefine its textile and design narrative.

The stakes are high: India’s contribution to global emissions and waste cannot be ignored. However, its rich textile heritage, coupled with a burgeoning tech-savvy population, positions the country as a leader in sustainable innovation. By embracing circularity, Indian fashion and packaging industries can not only mitigate environmental impact but also set a global benchmark for inclusive and sustainable growth.

India’s journey toward circularity is an opportunity to shape a resilient and eco-conscious future.

The time to act is now.