PurFi Global and Arvind Limited partner to tackle global textile waste crisis

The global textile industry is under growing scrutiny for its environmental impact, with an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually. The sector’s heavy reliance on fossil-fuel-based synthetic fibers—comprising nearly 70% of its raw materials—has amplified concerns about sustainability.

In response to these challenges, PurFi Global and Arvind Limited have unveiled a transformative solution: a cutting-edge textile recycling facility in Gujarat, India. This initiative is not only a response to the rising demand for sustainable fibers but also a significant step towards establishing a circular economy in the fashion industry.

What is the PurFi-Arvind partnership, and how does it support sustainability goals?

The PurFi-Arvind partnership leverages the expertise of two industry leaders. PurFi Global, renowned for its pioneering fiber rejuvenation technology, has joined forces with Arvind Limited, a global textile manufacturing powerhouse. Together, they aim to support H&M Group’s ambitious sustainability goals, which include sourcing 100% recycled or sustainably produced materials by 2030.

The newly announced facility will commence operations with a capacity of 5,500 metric tons annually, complemented by a secondary line producing 3,500 metric tons of rejuvenated fibers. Over the next four years, the joint venture—PurFi Arvind Manufacturing India (PAMI)—plans to scale operations to include ten production lines, addressing growing global demand for circular materials.

H&M’s involvement underscores its commitment to closing the textile loop. As a leader in advocating for a circular economy, H&M has integrated recycling technologies into its long-term strategy. “This partnership accelerates our mission to transform waste into high-quality garments that meet stringent sustainability standards,” said Suhas Khandagale, Material Manager at H&M Global.

How does PurFi’s fiber rejuvenation technology work?

At the heart of this initiative is PurFi’s proprietary fiber rejuvenation technology, a process designed to turn textile waste into virgin-quality fibers. The innovative system begins with automated sorting and elastomer removal—an essential step for repurposing fabric waste. Next, a reverse spinning method creates rejuvenated fibers that are indistinguishable from their virgin counterparts.

This technology is adaptable to a wide range of materials, including cotton, viscose, silk, and linen. Crucially, it consumes significantly less water and energy compared to traditional fiber production methods, contributing to its appeal as a sustainable alternative for brands.

“PurFi’s closed-loop manufacturing process, backed by decades of innovation and intellectual property, provides a scalable solution for the textile industry’s environmental challenges,” noted Joy Nunn, CEO of PurFi Global.

Why is this project important for the future of the fashion industry?

The fashion industry is increasingly embracing circular economy principles to mitigate its environmental footprint. According to the Circularity Gap Report Textiles, funded by the H&M Foundation, only 0.3% of materials used in textile production currently come from recycled sources. The report calls for immediate action to close this gap, emphasizing robust recycling infrastructure and extended producer responsibility systems.

Punit Lalbhai, Vice Chairman of Arvind Limited, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership: “By integrating PurFi’s innovative solutions, we’re not only addressing textile waste but also paving the way for systemic change in the industry.”

How will the Gujarat facility advance circular economy initiatives?

The state-of-the-art facility in Gujarat is strategically designed to meet both current and future demand for circular fibers. With its scalable infrastructure, the plant is poised to supply global brands such as H&M with rejuvenated fibers, helping them achieve their sustainability goals while addressing the textile waste crisis.

This venture also signals a broader industry shift toward sustainable manufacturing. By turning waste into a resource, companies like PurFi and Arvind are redefining the value chain and enabling global brands to meet consumer expectations for eco-friendly products.

A model for global textile sustainability

As global demand for sustainable materials grows, the PurFi-Arvind partnership serves as a model for industry-wide adoption of circular practices. With cutting-edge technology and a shared commitment to sustainability, the venture is poised to create a significant environmental impact.

For H&M and other fashion leaders, this collaboration demonstrates the viability of large-scale recycling solutions in tackling the industry’s environmental challenges.