In a groundbreaking move towards environmental sustainability, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked at Bharat Tex 2024 between the Textiles Committee, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), and the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE). 

The agreement heralds a significant stride towards promoting the upcycling of textile waste and scrap, ushering in a new era of sustainable and circular textile practices.

At the core of this initiative lies upcycling, the process of transforming textile waste into products of heightened value and functionality. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry emphasized that upcycling not only prolongs material lifecycles but also drastically reduces energy, chemical, and water consumption compared to conventional recycling methods.

The MoU outlines a strategic partnership wherein GeM will collaborate closely with stakeholders in the upcycling ecosystem, particularly targeting underserved seller groups. The aim is to grant these groups direct market access in public procurement through GeM outlet stores, bypassing intermediaries. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the broader #VocalforLocal movement, striving to amplify the visibility and sales of upcycled textile products.

Furthermore, the partnership promises to engage stakeholders across the textile upcycling sector through a spectrum of activities, including advocacy, awareness campaigns, outreach programs, mobilisation, and capacity building for last-mile upcyclers. This holistic approach aims to nurture a robust upcycling ecosystem, facilitated by stakeholder consultations and the development of technical specifications for upcycled product catalogues, ultimately streamlining access for government buyers.

The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles. PK Singh, CEO, GeM, also played a pivotal role, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the participating organisations. The MoU was formally signed by S P Verma, Secretary of the Textiles Committee, Ajit B Chavan, additional CEO, GeM, and SubhRatna, General Manager of SCOPE.