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Webinar - ITC, Ghent
Advancing Resource Efficiency and Ethical Production Across Borders
Conserve India, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), City of Ghent, and the European Commission, hosted a high-impact webinar on “Resource Efficiency and Circular Production in the Textile and Clothing Sector”. Held under the EU-funded ‘EU Cities for Fair and Ethical Trade Award: ITC-Ghent Development Project’, the virtual event brought together stakeholders from Europe and Asia to explore how fair trade, sustainability, and circular economy practices can reshape the global textile industry.
The webinar focused on promoting cleaner production methods, encouraging circular business models like reuse and recycling, and emphasizing ethical trade principles—especially in the context of post-Covid recovery. Participants engaged in discussions around reducing energy and water use in textile manufacturing, improving working conditions for marginalized producers, and accelerating investment in sustainable innovation.
Key takeaways from the event included the critical need for cross-sector collaboration, the role of fair trade in supply chain resilience, and the urgency of transitioning to circular production systems. By bridging global experiences and local actions, the session reinforced Conserve India’s commitment to driving inclusive and environmentally responsible change in the textile value chain.
On October 16, 2022, Conserve India, in collaboration with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), organized a panel discussion titled “How Waste Can Be Utilized to Generate Value” under the theme of Sustainability and Handicrafts. Held at the 54th IHGF Delhi Fair at the India Expo Center & Mart, Greater Noida, the session brought together a dynamic group of experts from environmental innovation, design, and circular economy. Panelists included Anita Ahuja (Conserve India), Dr. Madhumita Puri (Trash to Cash), Shubhi Sachan (Materials Library of India), Girija Jha (NIFT), and Shobha Raghavan (Saahas Zero Waste), with moderation by Kanika Ahuja (LIFAFFA/Plastiskul). Together, they explored how recycled materials—particularly plastic—can be repurposed into commercially viable handicrafts while advancing environmental sustainability and social equity.
Why It Matters
Early education plays a crucial role in shaping the values and behaviors of future generations. At a time when environmental degradation, waste pollution, and overconsumption threaten ecosystems and public health, it is essential to instill circular thinking and responsible action in school students. Swachhata Ki Pahal recognized that children are not just passive learners—they are powerful changemakers capable of catalyzing sustainability in their homes, schools, and communities.
The discussion highlighted the potential of integrating waste into artisanal value chains, not only as a solution to plastic pollution but also as a means to generate sustainable livelihoods. A strong emphasis was placed on ethical manufacturing—ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparent sourcing—as a cornerstone of truly sustainable products. The session served as a powerful platform to showcase grassroots innovations and reinforced Conserve India’s and EPCH’s commitment to promoting circularity and inclusion within the handicrafts sector.
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