Mumbai, Maharashtra, 19th of August, 2026 : Marking India’s 80th Independence Day, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) in collaboration with ReFiber, powered by OterRi, Tisser Artisan Trust, UNIDO and Lions International successfully launched a nationwide ‘Freedom from Unused Garments’ collection drive to raise awareness and encourage action on post-consumer textile waste.
Highlighting the scale and urgency of the issue during an online stakeholder meeting, Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles said, “We generate around 70 lakh tonnes of textile waste annually, with nearly 58% arising after consumer use. Every discarded garment represents valuable resources such as fibre, water, energy, chemicals, transportation and human effort. Freedom from wasteful consumption, resource inefficiency and unsustainable habits is the need of the hour. I really appreciate this initiative, which provides citizens a simple digital platform to schedule doorstep collection of unused garments.”
Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, said, “Today, we are looking at freedom from waste and freedom from unnecessary landfills. Instead of garments ending up in landfills, we can recover their value through collection, recycling and upcycling. Through this campaign, we are not only protecting the environment but also creating opportunities for social empowerment. By calling upon citizens to donate garments that are no longer in use, we are giving them an opportunity to contribute to a more circular and responsible textile ecosystem.”
Naveen Sainani, Hon. General Secretary, CMAI & Chairman – ESG, said, “Today is not merely the launch of a waste collection drive. It is the beginning of a moment to change the way we look at textile waste. The collected garments will be channelled towards recycling, upcycling and other productive applications, helping reduce textile waste and minimise the burden on landfills. Collection is only the first step. The real success will come when consumers understand that a garment lying unused in their cupboard can have another purpose.”
The ‘Freedom from Unused Garments’ drive underscores the need for collective action among consumers, industry, civil society and government to accelerate the transition towards a more circular textile economy. It further strengthens CMAI’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainability and textile circularity through collaborative initiatives with industry and social-sector partners.
About CMAI
The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) is the most representative association of the Indian apparel industry having over 7,000 members and serving more than 50,000 Retailers. Its Membership consists of Manufacturers, Exporters, Brands, and ancillary industry. CMAI advocates regarding policies and also guides and encourages its members on ESG related matters and initiatives. In 2019, CMAI launched the SU.RE initiative to encourage members to embrace sustainability.
Established over sixty-three years ago, CMAI has contributed immensely towards development of the industry. In 1978, CMAI had led the creation of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). CMAI is also authorised by the Government of India to issue Certificate of Origin (Non-Preferential) to Exporters. CMAI is the only Indian Association that represents the entire Indian Apparel Industry & Trade on prestigious international forums such as International Apparel Federation (IAF) headquartered in Netherlands.
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