Revolutionizing Textile Waste Management: The Circular Textiles Waste Management (CTWM) Model

In an innovative initiative, Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global", in partnership with Enviu and CAIF—supported by co-funders IKEA Foundation and H&M Foundation—launched the Circular Textiles Waste Management (CTWM) Model in Kerala, India. This model is transforming textile waste management by reclaiming value from discarded materials, promoting circular economy practices, and empowering local communities.

CAIF’s Role:

Between 2023 and 2025, CAIF is leading the development of a practical, scalable CTWM model aimed at achieving the following goals:

• Establish a national textile waste management policy.
• Set up Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) operated by waste pickers.
• Foster waste micro-enterprises for sustainable livelihood generation.

Enviu’s Role:

Enviu complements this effort by:

• Building and scaling ventures within the CTWM ecosystem.
• Accelerating textile recycling startups.
• Developing long-term business models to support textile circularity.

CAIF:

• 1 million kilograms of textile waste diverted from landfills and reintroduced into manufacturing.
• 50 waste workers trained, with sorting efficiency increasing from 90 kg/day to 200 kg/day.
• Generated $21,335 from the sale of recovered textile materials.

Enviu:

• 13 hotels joined the initiative, recognizing textile waste as a key sustainability concern.
• Two recycling facilities integrated into the CTWM business accelerator.
• Felt fabric recycling from post-consumer textile waste developed as a consumable material for brands.
• Collaborations with 7 leading brands, including Trident and Vardhman Textiles, to integrate recycled materials into their value chains.
• Two specialized waste collectors focused on high-value sorting and recycling.
• Opened new opportunities in the felt industry using post-consumer textile waste.

The CTWM Model continues to advance its mission of transforming textile waste management through collaboration, innovation, and community empowerment. By creating sustainable livelihoods and building inclusive business ecosystems, the initiative is paving the way for a greener, circular, and more responsible textile industry—not just in India, but as a global model for change.