01-05-2025
H&M Foundation visits Panipat to promote circular textile economy
A delegation from the H&M Foundation and Global Fashion Agenda recently visited a key textile recycling hub in Panipat to explore collaborative strategies for a circular and inclusive textile economy. The visit was hosted by the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability Council and aimed to advance global efforts toward sustainable fashion.
The delegation included Lennart Bernhoft, chief operating officer of GFA, alongside Carola Tembe, Jodith Tesfai, and Elin Hallerby from the H&M Foundation, Apparel Resources India reported. The team was welcomed by GATS chairman Parvinder Singh and his team, who showcased Panipat's comprehensive waste-to-product supply chain.
The visit centred on three priority areas: scaling textile waste recycling, increasing the economic value of recycled materials, and improving social protections for workers, particularly those in the unorganised sector. These themes reflect the broader goals of building a resilient, circular economy with equitable labour standards.
GATS also outlined its ambition to transform Panipat from a home furnishings recycling hub into a garment sourcing destination, supported by local skill development and circular design practices. The H&M Foundation's ongoing involvement in the region through GFA's 'Green Threads & Weaves' initiative with the Foundation for MSME Clusters was highlighted as a platform for enabling sustainable business models in local enterprises.
