Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh visited ‘Weave the Future 4.0 – Upcycling Edition’ at Dilli Haat, New Delhi. The exhibition, organised by the Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, showcases India's journey towards sustainable and circular textiles.
The visit was also attended by Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms); Ms. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts); Mr. Thomas McClenaghan, Minister Counsellor and Head of Sustainable Modernisation, European Union; and other senior officials of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
Addressing the gathering at the exhibition, Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, stated, "As textile consumption continues to rise, it is imperative that we strengthen circular economy practices, promote responsible production, and scale innovative solutions that transform textile waste into valuable resources.
Initiatives such as Weave the Future 4.0 demonstrate how entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability can converge to create both economic opportunities and environmental impact. Equally important is ensuring that the millions of workers who form the backbone of this sector benefit from dignified livelihoods and improved incomes.
India is committed to positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable textiles, contributing not only to the nation's growth but also to the world's transition towards a more responsible and resilient textile ecosystem." An initiative of the Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Weave the Future 4.0 – Upcycling Edition is the fourth edition of the platform, focusing on the relationship between materials, communities and the environment.
The exhibition explores how traditional knowledge, responsible resource use and innovative practices can come together to create sustainable solutions for everyday living. Open to the public until 17 July 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, the six-day exhibition brings together over 100 brands, artisans, makers, recyclers, thrift collectives and innovators from across the country.
It showcases a wide range of approaches, including upcycling, recycling, repair, repurposing and circular design, highlighting how materials can be transformed through creativity and conscious practices. Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, stated, "Weave the Future has evolved into a national platform that connects India’s handloom and craft heritage with innovation-led solutions for textile waste management.
This edition brings together artisans, students, startups, designers, and recycling enterprises to explore collaborative approaches towards addressing the growing challenge of textile waste through upcycling, repair, recycling, and circular design practices that we Indians have followed through generations.
The strong participation by young entrepreneurs in Weave the Future 4.0 reflects the growing interest in sustainable consumption and resource efficiency. It also highlights the importance of creating platforms that encourage practical and scalable solutions while generating livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities across the value chain."
Visitors to Weave the Future 4.0 can experience :
Upcycled and recycled products developed by artisans, designers, brands and innovators
Interactive installations on textile waste, material recovery and circularity
Demonstrations on repair, reuse and recycling
Workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions on sustainable design and craft-led innovation
Conversations on circular fashion, conscious consumption and regenerative futures
About Weave the Future
Weave the Future is a national platform initiated by the Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to explore and advance sustainable, circular and craft-led approaches to everyday living.
Bringing together artisans, designers, brands, innovators and communities, the platform seeks to create dialogue, action and solutions around responsible production, consumption and material use, while showcasing the role of India's craft traditions in building a more sustainable future.