India has taken a landmark step in advancing sustainability within its technical textiles landscape through a pioneering initiative led by the National technical textiles Mission. The mission has enabled the creation of India first scientific model for respectful recycling of national flags along with a breakthrough system for recycling advanced defence-grade aramid fibres. Both technologies will be showcased during a dedicated demonstration event in Panipat on 28 November 2025, organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

At the core of this achievement is the Atal Centre of Textile Recycling and Sustainability, established under IIT Delhi at Panipat. The centre brings together scientific research, industry experience and national sentiment through two major programmes. The National Flag Recycling Initiative introduces a structured process that preserves the integrity of retired Tricolour fabric while enabling responsible material recovery. This marks the first time India has implemented a defined scientific pathway for handling national flags in a manner aligned with patriotic respect and environmental responsibility. The approach also strengthens the momentum of the HarGharTiranga movement by pairing national pride with ecological awareness.

Parallel to this, the Aramid Fibre Recycling Programme has opened new avenues for managing high-performance aramid waste, widely used in defence, aerospace and Protective Textile applications. The programme has already produced viable recycling solutions, enabling the recovery of valuable material that earlier posed major disposal challenges. Several technical textile enterprises have now begun integrating these technologies into their production cycles, indicating strong industry trust in the mission outcome.

The upcoming Panipat event aims to bring industry leaders, researchers and policymakers together to witness the technologies firsthand. The initiative reflects NTTM broader commitment to driving innovation, strengthening industry capability and fostering a sustainable future for India technical textile sector.