GeM and Textiles Committee Sign MoU to Boost Procurement of Recycled and Upcycled Textiles

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Textiles Committee (TC) under the Ministry of Textiles, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 3rd September, 2026  to promote government procurement of recycled and upcycled textile products. The MoU was formalised during the Textiles Committee's 62nd Foundation Day celebrations in Mumbai, aiming to create fresh market opportunities for enterprises working in India's circular textile economy.

Collaboration Will Create a 'Waste-to-Value-to-Market' Ecosystem

This partnership is designed to build a complete cycle where textile waste, factory scrap and second-hand clothes get converted into quality, value-added products that government buyers can purchase directly through the GeM portal. By linking waste collection with formal procurement channels, the initiative hopes to give recyclers and upcyclers a steady, reliable market for their products, something the sector has often struggled to secure on its own.

Key Discussions Under the GeM-Textiles Committee MoU

1. The Textiles Committee will identify, verify, and certify eligible producers making recycled and upcycled textile goods
2. TC will also support capacity building, stakeholder consultations, market research and setting technical product specifications
3. GeM will introduce dedicated categories on its platform for recycled and upcycled textile items
4. GeM will handle seller onboarding, online market linkages and promotion of these products among government departments
5. The partnership follows a hub-and-spoke model, with TC's affiliate offices handling last-mile outreach and mobilisation of local recyclers and upcyclers
6. Special focus will be given to women entrepreneurs, MSMEs, artisans and other circular-economy enterprises, aligning with Vocal for Local and Make in India goals

The event was attended by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh and Maharashtra Textiles Minister Sanjay Savkare, while the MoU itself was signed by GeM's Additional CEO Ajit B. Chavan and Textiles Committee Secretary Kartikay Dhanda.

GeM Initiative to Turn Textile Waste into Value-Added Products for Government Buyers

GeM CEO Mihir Kumar explained that combining certification, standardisation and market access will help generate consistent demand for waste-based textile products. Given the scale of government procurement, this could push these sustainable goods into wider use across offices, institutions and official gifting requirements. Beyond boosting circular economy businesses, the initiative supports resource conservation and sustainable livelihoods, marking an important step in India's shift toward a more responsible and resource-efficient textile industry.