India’s sustainability award the Circular Design Challenge took part in annual climate crisis event Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai. Reliance Industries Limited’s sustainable textiles advocate and business R|Elan and the United Nations in India participated in panel discussions on sustainability in fashion and beyond. 

“Sustainability does not start at the fabric stage, but it starts at the fibre stage, and we are trying to make an impact at that end of the textile value chain,” said R|Elan™ Fabric 2.0’s brand and retail head Ritesh Sharma in a press release. “Our technology recycles post-consumer PET Bottles that is socially compliant and provides end to end traceability. With our partnerships with large global brands, we are aiming to support their sustainability goals by providing fabrics that are made for the future.”

The Circular Design Challenge promotes circular design principles and encourages innovation amongst fashion designers. R|Elan representatives shared information about the business’ eco-friendly textiles at COP28 to show how the harmful effects of the fashion industry on the environment can be reduced. 

“The CDC is here at COP28 responding to the call for urgency by helping reduce the fashion industry’s climate impact,” said the UN’s resident coordinator in India Shombi Sharp. “From sourcing sustainable materials to building in circularity, the CDC has encouraged many young designers to innovate in their design, production, and value chains. The UN in India is proud to join hands with the CDC and together transform the industry for a sustainable future.”