Page 64 - CIJ Sept 2025- Digital Edition

MAKING A POINT

Restoration Over Replacement:

Why India Must Embrace the

Circular Economy Mindset

n my years of working in Shifting Consumer impact goes far beyond
the cleaning and aftercare personal use.
industry, one pattern has stood Mindsets Hotels, for instance, discard
out consistently: we are far Consumer behaviour, however, large volumes of linens each
Itoo quick to discard. Whether is beginning to evolve. India’s year, which can be renewed
garments, linens, shoes, or buyers are increasingly mindful of through restoration to save costs
handbags, the instinct to replace the items they invest in, preferring and reduce waste. Corporates
instead of restoring has become to extend the life of what they own frequently replace leather
the default choice. rather than indulge in constant furnishings and employee
This habit may seem convenient, replacement. uniforms prematurely, whereas
but it carries hidden costs, both Gen Z and urban consumers are restoration can extend their life
financial and environmental. driving this shift. They are more while maintaining quality.
Behind every discarded item conscious of their environmental Educational institutions and
lies wasted resources, lost footprint and value the idea of hospitals can similarly benefit
craftsmanship and a missed making their possessions last by refreshing high-use fabrics,
opportunity to embrace a more longer. footwear and other items.
sustainable, thoughtful way Restoration fits squarely into this By highlighting these everyday
of consuming. ethos, marrying practicality with applications alongside consumer-
purpose. It is not merely about focused examples, restoration
Why Restoration fixing a flaw; it is a holistic process emerges as a practical, sustainable
Deserves Attention of reviving an item through deep solution for both individuals and
cleaning, expert repair, recolouring organizations.
Globally, the Ellen MacArthur
Foundation highlights that 73% and even customization to give it
of textiles end up in landfills or renewed appeal. Path to a Circular
incinerators, with less than What was once seen as “used” Economy
1% being recycled back into or “worn-out” is now viewed as This shift aligns closely with the
new clothing. an opportunity to preserve value, principles of a circular economy,
In India, the fashion and textile craftsmanship and quality. Shoes offering a compelling alternative to
and handbags, once among the
sector contributes nearly 8% of most frequently discarded items, today’s linear, disposable model.
total solid waste, reflecting our are now increasingly being restored I firmly believe: “Preserve, don’t
growing consumption habits. This by consumers who prefer to extend replace because the real circular
cycle of discard and replace is their lifespan. economy begins in our closets.”
not just limited to clothes. Shoes By extending the life of
and handbags, often made with This signals a deeper change in garments, linens, shoes and
high-quality leather or advanced mindset. Consumers are seeking accessories, we reduce the
synthetics, are among the durability and responsibility in the demand for virgin resources and
most frequently discarded things they invest in, not just utility. minimize waste, creating a ripple
personal items. Restoration Beyond effect across the economy and the
Yet these are exactly the items Luxury: Institutions environment.
where restoration can make According to NITI Aayog,
the biggest difference, giving and Businesses adopting circular practices could
them extended life and renewed While restoration has long been unlock $45 billion in economic
purpose. associated with luxury goods, its value for India by 2030 and

64 SEPTEMBER 2025 • Clean India Journal • www.cleanindiajournal.com