Launch Overview
On August 18, 2026, coinciding with India’s 80th Independence Day, ReFiber – a technology‑enabled circular economy platform powered by OterRi – announced the nationwide “Freedom from Unused Garments” post‑consumer textile collection drive. The launch was conducted through an online stakeholder meeting where Ms. Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, served as Chief Guest.
Key Statistics
India’s textile sector, one of the world’s largest, generates approximately 70 lakh tons of textile waste each year, of which about 58 % originates after consumer use. Each discarded garment embodies resources such as fibre, water, energy, chemicals, transportation and human labour.
Partnerships and Roles
The initiative brings together ReFiber, OterRi, Tisser Artisan Trust, the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Apparel Division (CMAI), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Lions International. Dr. Megha Phansalkar (Founder, Tisser Artisan Trust) emphasized viewing discarded garments as raw material. CMAI President Santosh Katariya highlighted environmental protection and women empowerment. UNIDO’s National Project Coordinator Dr. Pankaj Kumar stressed the need for viable economic models. CMAI & ESG Chairman Naveen Sainani described the launch as a shift in perception toward textile waste. Manoj Wanvari, COO of OterRi & ReFiber, referenced the Swedish ReTuna recycling mall as a model for future infrastructure.
Digital Collection Mechanism
ReFiber offers a citizen‑facing digital platform that allows users to schedule doorstep pickup of unused garments with a single button press. The platform leverages OterRi’s existing laundry‑service and micro‑logistics network to ensure clean, source‑segregated collection. Within the initial rollout, the app recorded roughly 42 requests for post‑consumer textile waste collection.
Upcycler Marketplace
ReFiber has appealed to the Ministry of Textiles to facilitate connections with upcyclers across the country. The forthcoming ReFiber Upcycler Marketplace will serve as an exclusive platform for recycled and up‑cycled products, enabling upcyclers to showcase their work and generate new value from recovered textiles.
Expected Impact
The drive aims to reduce landfill disposal, conserve resources, and create economic opportunities, particularly for women, through the recovery, reuse and up‑cycling of unused garments. The initiative is positioned as a scalable Digital Public Infrastructure that could expand from a single‑city demonstration to state‑wide and eventually national coverage.