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.