In a significant move to address the escalating issue of textile waste in India, Ester Industries has partnered with Canada-based Loop Industries to form a 50:50 joint venture aimed at setting up the world’s first textile-to-textile recycling facility in India. The initiative is designed to foster sustainable fashion and environmental responsibility by converting discarded fabrics into high-quality reusable materials.

According to media reports, India ranks third globally in textile waste generation, yet less than 1% of this waste is recycled into new garments. The new venture aims to change this with Loop Industries’ proprietary chemical recycling technology, which can process all forms of polyester waste into virgin-grade PET resin. This high-quality resin can be reused multiple times, strengthening the textile sector’s circular economy.

Loop Industries’ technology is notable for its ability to recycle polyester fibers and PET plastics that were previously deemed non-recyclable. By doing so, the process greatly reduces the dependency on fossil fuels—currently the source of over 90% of raw materials in the plastic industry—and helps lower carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral economy.

The joint venture aligns well with the Indian government’s environmental and sustainability initiatives. In a recent 'Mann Ki Baat' address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing concern over textile waste and underscored the importance of adopting circular fashion. He praised cities such as Panipat (Punjab), Bengaluru, and Tirupur (Tamil Nadu) for their ongoing textile recycling efforts. The Ester–Loop partnership is expected to elevate India’s status as a pioneer in textile recycling technology.

Ester Industries has confirmed that the recycling facility will operate with a zero-discharge system, ensuring that nearby water and soil resources remain unaffected. The plant will comply with strict environmental norms, setting a standard for eco-friendly industrial practices.

The announcement has been widely welcomed on social media, with many hailing it as a transformative leap for both sustainable fashion and environmental conservation in India. More than just addressing domestic textile waste, the partnership is expected to establish India as a global benchmark in advancing circular economy practices in the fashion industry.