The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), operating under the Ministry of Textiles, has backed a landmark initiative that is redefining sustainability practices within the technical textiles domain. This initiative resulted in the creation of the Atal Centre of Textile Recycling and Sustainability, established at Panipat under IIT Delhi. The centre brings together technology, innovation, and national responsibility through two notable programmes—the National Flag Recycling Initiative and the Aramid Fibre Recycling Programme.
For the first time in India, a formal, scientifically validated framework has been developed for the dignified recycling of retired national flags. Executed through an industry partner, this project ensures that the fabric and structural components of the Tricolour are either maintained or repurposed in a respectful and responsible manner. The model exemplifies how environmental sustainability can be seamlessly aligned with patriotic values and reinforces the ethos of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
Additionally, the Aramid Fibre Recycling Programme under this initiative has produced pioneering methods for managing and repurposing high-performance aramid waste—an essential fibre widely used in defence, aerospace, and protective textile applications. Multiple technical textile companies have already started adopting these research-driven outputs, demonstrating strong industry trust and highlighting the mission’s effectiveness in converting scientific advancements into scalable, commercially viable solutions.