Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and circular economy principles, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai celebrated World Environment Day by organizing a Tree Plantation Drive and hosting the launch of Mumbai’s Mega Post-Consumer Textile Waste Collection and Upcycling Initiative.
The twin initiatives underscored the importance of collective action in promoting environmental conservation, resource efficiency, and sustainable development.The Tree Plantation Drive served as a symbolic yet impactful step toward creating a greener future. The event witnessed the participation of distinguished dignitaries, including Ms. Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra; Smt. Roop Rashi, Chief Executive Officer, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME, Government of India; Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI); Dr. Megha Phansalkar, Founder, Tisser; Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Senior Director, All India Association of Industries; Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade Promotion & Investment, World Trade Center Mumbai; and Mr. Santosh Kotre, Director, Finance and Accounts, World Trade Center Mumbai.
Their participation reflected a shared vision of environmental responsibility, sustainable growth, and community-driven action for a cleaner and healthier future.A key highlight of the day was the launch of Mumbai’s Mega Post-Consumer Textile Waste Collection and Upcycling Initiative. Hosted at World Trade Center Mumbai, the ‘Mega Used Clothes Upcyclon’ was unveiled through a collaborative effort involving the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), ReFiber, Oterri, Tisser, World Trade Center Mumbai, and Lions International.
The initiative aims to promote circularity within India’s textile industry by encouraging responsible disposal, collection, recycling, and upcycling of post-consumer textile waste. It seeks to bring together government agencies, industry stakeholders, sustainability experts, and civil society organizations to address the growing challenge of textile waste while creating economic and social value.
The event also featured a special video message from Shri Sanjay Savkare, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, who emphasized the need for collaborative action to tackle environmental challenges while generating sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the scale of textile waste generation in India. She noted that the country generates nearly 7 million tonnes of textile waste annually, with over 70% being recovered and recycled. She emphasized the importance of developing models that deliver ecological, social, and economic benefits simultaneously through innovation and responsible waste management.
Mr. Santosh Kataria, Chairman of the Sustainability Committee at CMAI, stressed the importance of transitioning from a linear economy to a circular economy. He stated that the success of such initiatives should not only be measured by the quantity of waste collected but also by the livelihoods generated and communities empowered through sustainable enterprise and upcycling activities.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of World Trade Center Mumbai and President of AIAI, pointed out that nearly 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated globally every year, while only a small percentage is effectively reused. He called for stronger collaboration among industry, government, and civil society to transform waste into valuable resources through innovation, recycling technologies, and fibre regeneration.
Dr. Pankaj Kumar, National Project Coordinator at UNIDO, highlighted the growing importance of circular economy principles in shaping future economic development strategies. He emphasized that green jobs, responsible production, renewable energy, and inclusive growth will play a crucial role in building a sustainable future.
Mr. Manoj Wanvari, COO of ReFiber and OterRi, described the initiative as the beginning of a collective movement toward a circular textile ecosystem. He noted that sustainability is no longer optional and that the future of the textile sector depends on resource efficiency, responsible consumption, and circular business models.
The programme also featured engaging panel discussions on creating a zero-waste textile future. Experts discussed topics including textile recycling, upcycling, circular fibres, MSME-led sustainability models, traceability systems, consumer awareness, and the use of artificial intelligence to reduce textile sampling waste. Participants explored strategies to integrate textile waste into value chains, promote repair and reuse practices, and design products with recyclability in mind.
The event concluded with a strong call for collective action to accelerate India’s transition toward a circular textile economy. Through its World Environment Day initiatives, World Trade Center Mumbai reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, green livelihoods, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship, contributing to a cleaner, more resilient, and resource-efficient future.
