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In the heart of India’s bustling hotel and hospitality industry lies an often-overlooked issue—textile waste, particularly discarded towels and linens. But a transformative shift is underway, one driven by innovation, collaboration, and a sharp focus on sustainability.

One compelling initiative gaining attention  is a textile recovery and recycling model built around institutional partnerships—particularly with hotels. The concept is simple yet impactful: collect discarded textiles, sort them systematically, and recycle them in a way that supports both environmental and economic goals.

Building a Sustainable Supply Chain

The project began in Bangalore, where the team established a robust collection system in collaboration with regional hotels. Recognizing the logistical challenge of handling textile waste, they partnered with local waste management companies to act as on-ground representatives. These companies were trained to sort textiles into predefined categories—primarily based on fiber content and reusability.

This decentralized approach ensures that sorting happens close to the source, reducing transportation emissions and improving operational efficiency. It’s a smart blend of grassroots implementation and strategic scaling.

Cotton Rules the Game

A recurring theme in textile recycling in India is the preference for 100% cotton. Cotton’s recyclability and market demand make it the most viable fiber for second-life applications. However, identifying cotton accurately and separating it from blends remains a critical challenge.

To tackle this, the project leverages cutting-edge technology. One of their pilot partners, employs Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy to scan fibers and identify material types within 0.01 seconds. While 100% cotton and 100% polyester can be detected with high accuracy, blended fabrics still present a technical challenge. Nevertheless, this limitation is being addressed by another homegrown innovator—Kosha—who is developing even more precise detection systems.

These innovations, although in early stages, promise to revolutionize sorting accuracy, making recycling more inclusive of complex fiber compositions. Hall 3 at the BarTex 2025 venue is showcasing these emerging technologies, offering a live glimpse into the future of textile waste management.

The Need for Investment and Scalability

While the technology is promising, scaling it across India’s vast waste management ecosystem requires significant investment. Many waste management companies operate on thin margins, lacking capital to purchase such high-tech scanners. The long-term vision is to democratize access to these technologies—perhaps through government subsidies, impact investment, or public-private partnerships.

By empowering local waste handlers with smart tools, India can dramatically improve its textile recycling rates and reduce the burden on landfills.

A Circular Vision for Textiles

This initiative offers a blueprint for sustainable textile management—one that combines grassroots logistics with cutting-edge science. By aligning the interests of institutions, waste handlers, and tech innovators, it creates a circular ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.

As global attention turns to reducing fashion and textile waste, India’s leadership in this space could offer a replicable model for other developing economies. But to realize its full potential, sustained investment, policy support, and community awareness are key.