Circular Economy in Textiles:
Global Best Practices in Hazardous Chemical Elimination

Background:
India holds the position of the world's second-largest textile manufacturing hub, contributing 5% to the global textile and apparel trade. With a current market size of $154 billion (2023), the sector is projected to grow to $350 billion by 2030, driven by abundant raw materials, skilled labor and a rich heritage of textile craftsmanship.
Government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, PM MITRA parks and relaxed FDI norms (allowing 100% foreign direct investment) aim to attract global investments. Strategic trade agreements with key markets such as the UAE, Australia, ASEAN and Japan further strengthen India’s position as a textile investment hub.

Despite these strengths, the sector faces challenges including infrastructure gaps, meeting international sustainability standards, and fostering innovation to maintain global competitiveness.
This UNIDO Panel Discussion (PD45) aims to address these issues by showcasing global best practices in hazardous chemical elimination while promoting circular economy principles in textiles.

Bharat Tex 2025 is a premier global textile event organized by 12 Indian Textile Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) with the support of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Held from February 14-17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi and India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida, the event will showcase India's diverse textile offerings, from raw materials to finished products. Emphasizing sustainability and circularity, BHARAT TEX 2025 brings together policymakers, CEOs, textile thought leaders, international networks, designers and master craftspeople to highlight India's role as a global textile powerhouse.
 

Structure of the Session:
The UNIDO Panel Discussion (PD45) will feature a dynamic discussion with an esteemed console of technical and industry experts, focusing on global best practices in hazardous chemical elimination and the transition to circularity in textiles. The session will explore strategies to overcome investment barriers in India’s textile sector while leveraging its unique strengths to position the country as a leading global hub for sustainable textile manufacturing.

​

Chair:

• Ministry of Textiles, Government of India

 

Moderator:

• Arpit Bhutani – Circular Innovation Lab, Denmark

Speakers:

• Ms. Ozunimi ITI – UNIDO, Vienna

• Ms. Yiliqi – NRDC, Washington DC

• Ms. Eva Benavidez – Better Cotton, Geneva

• Ms. Barbara Oswald – Bluesign, Geneva

• Mr. Salil Dutt – UNIDO, Jakarta