Tag Archives: #MahavirSpinFab

India’s First Recycled IFR Garment: The Future of Sustainable Protective Clothing

Big news from OSH India 2025

Mahavir Spin Fab has made history by unveiling India’s first recycled Inherent Flame-Resistant (IFR) garment — a pioneering step in aramid recycling. This game-changing innovation was recognized as the 3rd Most Innovative Product at OSH India, proving that sustainability and safety can go hand in hand.

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Why recycle textiles in the first place?

• • Market Growth – The global textile market was valued at $610.91 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $755.38 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%, reflecting accelerating global demand and production.

• • Waste Generation – The textile industry is responsible for 20% of total global waste, with annual textile waste expected to grow by 60% per year from 2015 to 2030, reaching 148 million tons by 2030. Currently, 92 million tons of textile waste are generated each year, of which 73% is incinerated or landfilled, 25% is reused or recycled, and less than 1% is recycled back into clothing, resulting in a $100 billion annual loss in raw materials.

• Carbon Emissions – The industry emits 1.2 billion tons of CO₂-equivalent greenhouse gases annually, exceeding emissions from all international transport. By 2030, emissions are projected to rise by over 60%, reaching 2.8–2.9 billion tons per year, with two-thirds of these emissions linked to synthetic fiber processing. The fashion sector alone contributes over 10% of global carbon emissions, and if current demand continues, it could account for approximately 25% of global emissions by 2050.

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What happens to most end-of-life IFR garments today?

Here lies the hidden graveyard of aramid garments:

• Less than 1% of IFR clothing (Kevlar, Nomex, Conex) is ever recycled.
• The majority ends up in landfills or is incinerated.
• > Burning aramids releases toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide (HCN), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ).
• Many garments are classified as hazardous waste because they’re contaminated with oils, and chemicals.

The irony? These garments are designed to be indestructible — a lifesaver for workers, but a nightmare for the planet.

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Why is recycling IFR garments such a challenge?

FR workwear recycling isn’t as straightforward as recycling cotton or polyester. Key challenges include:

• Non-biodegradability of aramids → they persist for centuries.
• Hazardous emissions if burned.
• Mechanical strength of aramids makes shredding extremely difficult.
• Chemical finishes & blends complicate separation and recycling.

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What does Mahavir Spin Fab’s innovation mean for the industry?

By successfully creating recycled IFR garments, Mahavir Spin Fab has:

• Proven that a circular economy in textiles is possible even for complex materials like aramids.
• Opened the door for sustainable protective clothing that reduces dependence on virgin fibers.
• Helped cut carbon emissions and prevent landfill waste.
• Positioned India as a leader in flame-resistant clothing waste management.

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How does recycling benefit workers and the environment?

• Lower Carbon Footprint – Each recycled garment saves significant CO₂ emissions.
• Less Landfill Waste – Prevents hazardous fibers from piling up underground.
• Safer Workwear Choices – Recycled IFR garments can still meet safety standards.
• Consumer Trust – Certifications like GRS (Global Recycled Standard) assure eco-conscious production.

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What’s next for protective clothing sustainability?

The future lies in:

• Scaling recycling infrastructure for aramids & IFR garments.
• Collaborations between manufacturers, recyclers, and end-users.
• Smarter collection systems for post-consumer waste (laundries, industries, government).
• Innovation in blends & finishes that are easier to recycle.

Mahavir Spin Fab’s milestone shows that sustainable workwear isn’t a dream — it’s already here.

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The Future is Circular

For decades, the end-of-life plan for IFR garments was a graveyard of landfills and toxic incineration. With this breakthrough, India’s first recycled IFR garment proves a new path is possible — one where safety, sustainability, and circularity come together.The future of protective clothing is not just flame-resistant. It’s planet-resistant.