To tackle the growing problem of textile waste in India, Ester Industries has formed a 50/50 JV with Canada-based Loop Industries to establish what they claim will be the world’s first textile-to-textile recycling facility in India.
Designed to promote sustainable fashion and environmental responsibility, this initiative will convert discarded fabrics into high-quality, reusable materials.
Reports indicate, India is the third-largest generator of textile waste globally, yet less than 1 per cent of this waste is recycled into new clothing. This new venture aims to change that using Loop Industries’ proprietary chemical recycling technology, which can process all types of polyester waste into virgin-grade PET resin. This high-quality resin can be reused multiple times, strengthening the textile sector’s circular economy.
Loop Industries’ technology is notable for its ability to recycle polyester fibers and PET plastics that were previously considered non-recyclable. By doing so, the process significantly reduces the reliance on fossil fuels—currently the source of over 90 per cent of raw materials in the plastics industry—and helps lower carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral economy.
This JV aligns with the Indian government’s environmental and sustainability efforts. In a recent 'Mann Ki Baat' address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the increasing concern over textile waste and emphasized the importance of adopting circular fashion. He commended cities such as Panipat (Punjab), Bengaluru, and Tirupur (Tamil Nadu) for their ongoing textile recycling efforts. The Ester–Loop partnership is expected to elevate India’s standing as a leader in textile recycling technology.
Ester Industries has confirmed that the recycling facility will operate with a zero-discharge system, ensuring that nearby water and soil resources remain unaffected. The plant will adhere to strict environmental regulations, setting a standard for eco-friendly industrial practices.
The announcement has been widely praised with many calling it a transformative step for both sustainable fashion and environmental conservation in India. Beyond addressing domestic textile waste, the partnership is expected to establish India as a global benchmark in advancing circular economy practices within the fashion industry.
