In discussions with India’s largest hub for recycled textiles and circular manufacturing – the Panipat Recycling Cluster, a high-level delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) discussed strategies to boost textile circularity, trade competitiveness, and alignment with upcoming EU sustainability laws, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks.
The EU delegation included seven Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and two senior representatives from the INTA Secretariat. They were on a study tour to understand India’s evolving sustainability ecosystem and explore collaboration opportunities between India and the European Union (EU) in circular textiles and the upcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Parvinder Kadyan, Chairman, Global Alliance for Textiles Sustainability (GATS), welcomed the delegation, along with leading industrialists, sustainability pioneers from Panipat, and representatives from the Foundation for MSME Clusters.
Often called India’s ‘recycling capital,’ Panipat processes thousands of tons of textile waste daily and is recognized globally for its ability to transform waste into high-quality fibers, yarns, and garments. The visit highlighted how India’s textile MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) are upgrading technology, compliance, and traceability systems to meet international standards and contribute meaningfully to the global circular economy.
The delegation also toured a leading spinning facility in the region, where they witnessed firsthand the process of converting post-consumer textile waste into recycled fibers and yarns—showcasing how Indian innovation is enabling cost-neutral, low-impact, and fully traceable circular solutions for global fashion brands.
Speaking at the event, Kadyan stated, Circularity is a global concept - it cannot be achieved in silos. Everyone has to play their part. With the right India–EU collaboration, we can build the world’s most responsible and resource-efficient textile ecosystem - creating green jobs, conserving resources, and proving that sustainability and profitability can grow together.”
The MEPs praised the proactive approach of India’s textile industry and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in sustainability, trade, and circular-economy innovation between the European Union and India.
