As per the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), every year, around 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced across the world. Picture a garbage truck filled with clothes being deposited in a landfill or incinerated every second! By 2030, this figure is expected to increase to 134 million tonnes. These statistics indicate the volume of garments which were initially bought with excitement, but later thrown without being used even a few times. While on one hand, fast fashion has enabled us to have access to cheap, affordable clothing options, it has also made us indulge in buying more clothes than we need. We forget to inquire where our clothes will go when we do not require them anymore. Instead of reusing, we dump these clothes in the landfills and pollute the soil, air and water. While we try to make ourselves happy, we knowingly or unknowingly create a load for our Mother Earth to carry.
Realizing this emerging problem, SAATH, in partnership with Danfe Works, initiated the Circularity in Fabric program in 2024 based on the belief that textile waste could be turned into an opportunity. Based on the 5 Rs of zero waste Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot- the initiative guarantees that no fabric piece will be wasted. Through a circular process where fabrics are transformed from fabric to fibre, fibre to yarn, yarn to fabric, and finally into beautifully crafted products, materials that would have otherwise been thrown away become products with purpose. Most importantly, the process creates livelihoods for marginalized women by equipping them with skills and income while contributing to reduction in the carbon footprint of the fashion industry. For us, circularity is not simply about recycling fabric. It is all about demonstrating that when waste is given a second thought, we can come up with something that is good for both human beings and the environment.
The products include items other than fashion, which blend perfectly into daily life and interiors. From tote bags, bucket hats, and keychains to coasters, table mats, wall-hanging organizers, and storage baskets for toys and home needs, every item in the product line is made purposefully and practically. To add value to the products, the team tries their hand at interesting approaches, such as creating products through patchwork, embroidery, or combinations of different kinds of fabric, such as denim and zero-waste textiles. Such a design approach not only endows each product with a unique character but also shows how to transform old materials into marketable products fit for everyday use, gifting purposes, etc.
Circularity in fabric is a sign that sustainability is not necessarily about creating something new but also about creating something new from what is already there. Each time an item of clothing is created from recycled fabric, we are one step closer to reducing wastage, empowering local artists, and instilling responsible consumerism practices. This project demonstrates that in spite of the fast-growing fashion industry, there is still enough space left for eco-friendly and long-lasting products.