Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, hosted the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 Accelerator Sessions on September 17, bringing together policymakers, industry representatives, international organisations and experts to discuss practical approaches to circular supply chains and sustainable fashion systems. Around 60 participants from different countries attended the sessions.
As the host and strategic knowledge partner, NIFT Gandhinagar facilitated cross-sector dialogue on circularity, resource efficiency, sustainable production and transformation of value chains.
The first panel, “Designing Circular Supply Chains,” brought together perspectives from India, Cambodia, Mongolia and international development organisations. The discussion focused on sustainable and resource-efficient supply chains, product redesign, material efficiency, circular business models and enabling conditions for scaling circular solutions.
The second session, “Circular Fashion Supply Chains in Practice,” examined practical interventions across fashion supply chains, including sustainable production and consumption, responsible material use, waste reduction and circular value-chain practices.
Discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration among governments, industry, academia and international organisations. Participants also examined the need to eliminate hazardous chemicals from supply chains to enable safer reuse, recycling and recovery of materials.
Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, highlighted India’s experience in textile recycling, wastewater management, sustainable production and the role of handlooms and handicrafts in livelihoods and environmental responsibility. He also noted the economic potential of improving collection, sorting and recycling of post-consumer textile waste.
The sessions were supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by UNEP in partnership with UNDP, UNIDO and FAO, with Circular Innovation Lab as co-organiser. The outcomes are expected to contribute to the global dialogue on circular supply chains and the First Global Supply Chains Forum scheduled in Geneva on November 12–13, 2026.
