MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai marked World Environment Day 2026 with a series of sustainability-focused initiatives, including a Tree Plantation Drive and the launch of Mumbai’s Mega Post-Consumer Textile Waste Collection and Upcycling Initiative. The programmes underscored the importance of collective action in advancing environmental conservation, resource efficiency, and circular economy practices.
The Tree Plantation Drive symbolised a step towards building a greener and more sustainable ecosystem, with participation from key industry and government leaders. Distinguished attendees included Ms. Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra; Smt. Roop Rashi, CEO, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC); Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai; and several representatives from sustainability and trade organisations.
On the same occasion, the ‘Mega Used Clothes Upcyclon’ initiative was launched at WTC Mumbai. The programme, developed in collaboration with CMAI, UNIDO, ReFiber, Oterri, Tisser, and Lions International, aims to strengthen India’s circular textile ecosystem through consumer awareness, textile collection, and upcycling efforts.
A special video message from Shri Sanjay Savkare, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches in tackling environmental challenges while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Ms. Vrunda Desai noted, “India generates nearly 70 lakh tonnes of textile waste annually, with more than 70 percent being recovered and recycled. We need to create a model where ecological, social and economic benefits are achieved together through responsible waste management, innovation and value creation.”
Mr. Santosh Kataria stated, “We must transition from a linear economy to a circular economy. The success of such initiatives should be measured not only by the volume of waste collected, but also by the livelihoods created and communities empowered through sustainable enterprise and upcycling.”
Dr. Vijay Kalantri highlighted the global scale of the challenge, saying, “Approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated globally every year, yet only a small proportion is effectively reused. There is a need to transform waste into wealth through innovation, fibre regeneration, recycling technologies and stronger collaboration among industry, government and civil society.”
The event also featured discussions on building a zero-waste textile future, focusing on recycling technologies, upcycling models, circular fibres, MSME participation, traceability, and the role of AI in reducing waste.
The programme concluded with a collective call for accelerating India’s transition towards a circular textile economy through stronger collaboration across stakeholders.
