India’s Zero-Waste Fashion Vision Creates $3.5B Opportunity

India’s textile industry is on the brink of a transformative shift as Primus Partners, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, has unveiled a groundbreaking report aimed at making India a zero-waste fashion country by 2047. Launched at Bharat Tex 2025, the report, titled “Making India a Zero-Waste Fashion Country – A $3.5 Billion Economic Opportunity Creating 1 Lakh Jobs,” outlines a strategic roadmap for transitioning the sector into a sustainable and circular economy.

The textile sector, which is a major driver of India's economy, has been grappling with waste management issues for years, especially with the advent of ultra-fast fashion. The report points out how sustainable textile waste management can unlock an economic opportunity of $3.5 billion in the next five years, and generate close to one lakh green jobs in recycling, sustainable manufacturing, and innovation-led sectors.

At the heart of the report is the 5F framework—Farm, Fiber, Factory, Fashion, and Foreign—which integrates sustainability at every stage of the textile value chain. This approach emphasizes organic farming, eco-friendly fiber production, waste-reducing manufacturing techniques, circular fashion principles, and global sustainability alignment. The report also proposes key interventions, including a National Sustainable Textile Policy and the implementation of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme to hold manufacturers accountable for their products’ entire lifecycle.

The report was released by Maharashtra’s Textile Minister, Mr. Sanjay Savkare, and has received support from key policymakers, including Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, Industry Minister Shri Udit Samant, and Principal Secretary of Textiles, Smt. Anshu Sinha. Their collective vision underscores the government’s commitment to making India a global leader in sustainable textiles.

Maharashtra, a key player in India’s textile industry, has been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives. Mr. Virendra Singh, Secretary of Public Health and Former Secretary of Textiles, detailed the state’s measures to promote eco-friendly practices, including fiscal incentives, research support, and skill development programs. These steps are designed to encourage widespread adoption of green technologies and circular economy practices within the industry.

A key focus of the report is the identification of major barriers to sustainable textile adoption. Through an industry and consumer survey, it was found that the sector faces financial constraints, limited access to green technology, a lack of consumer awareness, and fragmented policies. Furthermore, the rapid turnover of clothing trends, driven by social media, has exacerbated textile waste issues. To address these challenges, the report emphasizes financial incentives such as subsidies for green initiatives and the establishment of a dedicated fund for circular economy projects.

Another recommendation is the establishment of Textile Waste Collection Centres to improve textile waste infrastructure and facilitate the recycling and repurposing of materials. The report also advocates for revised textile labeling regulations, public awareness campaigns on sustainable fashion choices, and skill development initiatives to ensure a robust workforce is prepared for the future of circular textiles.

Kanishk Maheshwari, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Primus Partners, expressed optimism about the future of India’s textile industry, emphasizing that collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers is essential to achieving a zero-waste future. He highlighted the need for a B2B digital marketplace to streamline the exchange of pre-consumer waste, alongside consumer education and policy reforms. According to him, introducing an EPR scheme would be a transformative move, holding producers accountable for their products’ end-of-life cycle and propelling India to the forefront of the global sustainable fashion movement.

The report’s release aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sustainable economic growth, reinforcing the government’s focus on environmentally responsible manufacturing and global leadership in green industries. With the recommendations set forth, India is poised to redefine its textile sector, making it a model for zero-waste, circular fashion that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.

As sustainability gains prominence worldwide, the Indian textile industry’s shift towards circularity and zero-waste practices will not only enhance its global competitiveness but also contribute significantly to job creation, economic resilience, and environmental conservation. The report’s insights serve as a blueprint for the future, paving the way for a sustainable textile revolution in India.