We are delighted that Intellecap’s initiative, Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF)’s flagship program “Closing the Loop” has been recognized as one of top 3 solutions globally as a good practice shaping the zero-waste and circular future within the fashion and textiles sector.

This recognition was announced at the Nairobi observance of the International day of Zero-waste at the UN office in Nairobi on Thursday, 27 March 2025. The selection was made by the UN Secretary General’s advisory board, UNEP, and UN-Habitat from 200 submissions received globally. Karnika Yadav, Partner and Director, Intellecap was on stage at the event and shared insights and best practices from the program.

As much as this is a recognition and celebration for our teams committed to realize CTL’s vision, it’s a reminder to us why we do what we do and for whom – i.e., the informal waste pickers who have, for long, remained the ‘unsung heroes’ of waste management.

CTL, as it was envisioned, is anchored in the Place-Based Circular Economy (PBCE) approach to establish a pan-India network of hyperlocal textile / material recovery facilities powered by waste-pickers to valorize post-consumer textile waste.

By 2030, through CTL, we aim to create and estimated USD 9.8 million in economic value for the green micro-entrepreneurs and waste pickers, improve the lives and livelihoods of at least 50,000 waste pickers and reclaim value from half a million tons of garments after diverting them away from landfill.

Our gratitude to our core funding partners IKEA Foundation, H&M Foundation and Alwaleed Philanthropies for giving wings to our aspirations to leave this planet and its people in a better place than we found it. Also, It has been a privilege and pleasure to collaborate with mission and values-aligned partners through “Closing the Loop” – Enviu, Hasiru Dala, Sambhav Foundation, Saahas Zero Waste, ReCircle, Twirl Store, Green Worms, SampurnEarth, Rang De, The Kabadiwala, Eco Sattva and many others.

Read More – International Day of Zero Waste 2025 | UN Web TV