NEW DELHI: The Circular Design Challenge (CDC), India’s most significant sustainability award, presented by R|Elan from Reliance Industries Limited, garnered attention at COP28 in Dubai. In collaboration with the United Nations in India, the CDC aligns with the UN’s sustainable development mission, emphasizing circular design principles to address environmental concerns and promote innovation.

COP28, the United Nations’ annual conference on the climate crisis, hosted over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, and academics at Expo City Dubai from 30th November to 12th December 2023. The conference aimed to find real-world solutions to close emissions gaps by 2030, focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

A panel discussion titled ‘Fabrics of the Future’ unfolded at the Centre for Planet, Expo City Hall, featuring Ritesh Sharma, Brand and Retail Head for R|Elan Fabric 2.0. The discussion explored circular design’s role in shaping the future of fabrics, addressing nature-based solutions, sustainability, and achieving circularity at scale.

Sharma emphasized, “Sustainability starts at the fiber stage, and we aim to make an impact by recycling post-consumer PET bottles, providing socially compliant and traceable fabrics to support global brands’ sustainability goals.”

UN Resident Coordinator in India, Shombi Sharp, acknowledged the CDC’s role in reducing the fashion industry’s climate impact, stating, “The CDC responds to the call for urgency, encouraging young designers to innovate and transform the industry for a sustainable future.”

CDC alumni Without, Thaely & Paiwand presented at the SDG7 Global South Pavilion, showcasing their innovative designs aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7. The session highlighted the transformative impact of circular design principles within the Indian fashion ecosystem.

A compelling installation by CDC alumni Without, Thaely, and Paiwand titled ‘Fashion for Planet’ was showcased at the Green Zone, Expo City Hall, serving as a visual testament to the CDC’s transformative power.

The Circular Design Challenge, aligned with global sustainability commitments, served as a beacon for change at COP28, inspiring collaboration and innovative solutions toward a circular economy.

R|Elan is the next-gen fabric created from engineered fibers and yarns by Reliance Industries, known for attributes like moisture management, odor resistance, and thermal insulation.

Reliance Industries Limited is India’s largest private sector company, spanning hydrocarbon exploration, petroleum refining, marketing, petrochemicals, renewables, retail, and digital services.